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.

Draft Judicial Interpretation on Patent Linkage Released by SPC

The Supreme People’s Court issued the its draft patent linkage Judicial Interpretation, the “Provisions on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Civil Cases Involving Drug Marketing Review and Approval of Patent” (Draft for Solicitation of Comments)” The deadline for submission of comments on the JI is Dec. 14. The JI sets up a possible jurisdictional battle between the courts and administrative agencies in adjudicating patent linkage cases.