Intellectual Property

The US has complained to the World Trade Organisation that China's IP rights protection and enforcement legislation violates international agreements. A WTO panel has presented its report and both sides are claiming victory. By Jan Bohanes and Adrian Emch, Sidley Austin, Geneva and Beijing.

Manisha Singh NairLex [email protected] fashion industry in India is largely regulated by the law of copyrights. Most designers acquiring a…

Confidentiality review required before filing foreign patent applications.

Xing [email protected] 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for 2008 passed amendments to the PRC Patent…

No more China first filing, but closer scrutiny of foreign applications

China has revised its Patent Law for the third time, and issued the first proposed draft amendments to the Implementing Regulations. There are key changes relating to invention patents and utility models. These should better align the Law with international standards, but there will be notable implications for foreign-invested companies. By Ronald Chu and Annie Tsoi, Deacons.

Trademark rights owners in China are increasingly demanding action against keyword advertising programmes used by well-known internet search engines. Recent court decisions in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are helpful but highlight regional disparities. By Luckie Hong, Jones Day.

The revised Law now requires any work unit or individual wishing to apply for a patent in a foreign country for an invention or utility model completed in China to first submit such invention or utility model to the State Council's patent administrative department for a confidentiality review.

Elinor [email protected] General Administration of Customs of China (GAC) is seeking comment on the draft amendments to the Implementing…