Insights into the “patent quality” landscape in China are increasingly important for understanding wider issues ranging from the types of risks businesses face when operating in China to the direction of the innovation-economy in the country. By way of one insight, this article discusses a recent initiative from the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) to improve patent quality in China and its implications for businesses.

Ongoing concerns

Utility model patents and design patents in China are cheaper and easier to obtain than invention patents because of lower patentability thresholds and because they do not undergo a rigorous mandatory examination. As a result, low quality utility model and design patents run a higher risk of being granted than low quality invention patents. Continue reading “China’s Revised Patent Examination Guidelines (Draft): implications for business” »