China’s new patent linkage regime involves parallel civil and administrative enforcement mechanisms. Innovative pharmaceutical companies should prepare for the possibility of generic challengers and determine which mechanism will best suit their purposes. Biologics are not protected under this new regime.
Transitioning to China’s New Patent and Copyright Laws on June 1: Where Have All the Implementing Regulations Gone?

On June 1, 2021, both the revised Copyright Law and Patent Law will come into effect. On May 24, 2021, CNIPA published its “Interim Measures on Disposition of Examination-Related Activities Post Patent Law Implementation” (CNIPA Notice Number 423)《关于施行修改后专利法的相关审查业务处理暂行办法》的公告(第423号)(“Interim Measures”). The Interim Measures address the needs of the patent office of CNIPA to address concrete examination issues in the absence of higher-ranking implementing regulations. Why has China been so slow to pass implementing regulations for its new IPR-related laws? What is the significance of the delay in drafting and implementing these regulations?
Recent Recordings and Upcoming Programs

Here is a listing of recordings of some recent programs that are now available as well as a listing of upcoming events. The Third Berkeley-Tsinghua Conference on Transnational IP Litigation was held […]
IPO’s Comments on Draft Amendments to Patent Law Implementing Regulations
On January 14, 2021, IPO submitted comments to the China National Intellectual Property Administration on its Recommendations for Amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law (Draft for Comment) 《专利法实施细则修改建议(征求意见稿)》 IPO’s comments included suggestions […]
IPO’s Comments on Recent Patent Legislation: Untangling a Complex Web
IPO’s Comments on recently proposed examination guidelines and on the SPC’s patent linkage reveal an increasingly complex web of IP legislation which is dependent on clarity in higher level laws.
RCEP And Phase 1: Strange Bedfellows in IP
RCEP and the Phase 1 Trade Agremeent are strange historical bedfellows, joined by common approaches to IP that diminish its role as a private right. The differences between the two agreements are also significant. The Phase 1 Agreement explicitly contemplated a Phase 2 Trade Agreement. It also only involved one country. RCEP intends to be comprehensive and regional, if not global. It is an alternative to the TPP. It will help China establish global IP norms.
Upcoming China Pharma IP Program

The Berkeley Center for Law and Technology will be launching a five-part webinar series on “Innovation, Regulation in the Life Sciences” on November 17 from 4:30-6:00 PM. The launch program is devoted to “China’s Emerging Regime for IP In the Life Sciences”.
Revised Patent Law Passed by NPC
According to Chinese press reports, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee decided to approve the revised patent law on October 17, 2020. The Legal Daily notes that among the key provisions that […]
Translation of Draft Patent Law Available
Thanks to He Jing of the Anjie Law Firm, attached please find an unofficial line-by-line translation of the recently released Patent Law Amendments 2nd reading. Comments are due August 16, 2020. Some highlights […]
China Patent and Licensing Discussions – Week of June 14th
On Wednesday, June 17th at 4:30 PM PST, former Chief Judge Paul Michel (ret.) will be moderating a star-studded panel hosted by Berkeley Law on one aspect of one of the great […]