China Patent Law Handbook: Updated for 2024 Regulatory Changes

I'm pleased to let you know that I have fully updated my Amazon e-book "China Patent Law Handbook: A Concise Reference Guide for Legal Professionals" to reflect the latest changes in China's patent regulations, in particular, the "Implementing Regulations for the China Patent Law" effective since 20 January 2024.

Indeed, it takes me about 9 months to do the e-book update. There has been a lot going on with both work and BD. Thanks to the recent Golden Week public holidays in China (1-7 October), I was able to take some time to revise this e-book.

The revised Implementing Regulations for the China Patent Law brings significant updates to China's patent system. Key highlights of the new regulations include:

1. Incorporation by Reference Applicants can now supplement missing parts of patent applications by referencing prior applications, aligning Chinese practice more closely with international norms.

2. Restoration of Priority Rights A new provision allows for the restoration of priority rights within two months of the deadline, providing more flexibility for applicants.

3. Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) and Extension (PTE) The regulations clarify the conditions and calculation methods for patent term adjustments due to examination delays, as well as extensions for new drug patents.

4. Partial Design Protection The new rules implement the protection of partial designs, expanding the scope of design patent protection.

5. Good Faith Principle A strengthened emphasis on the principle of good faith in patent applications, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

6. Electronic Service Updated rules for electronic communication, affecting deadlines and response periods.

These changes represent a recent evolution in China's patent landscape, bringing practices closer to international standards and offering new opportunities for innovators and businesses.

My aim for this e-book is to empower global IP and legal professionals with the confidence and precision to navigate China's patent laws and regulations effectively.

You are welcome to check it out on Amazon, and/or read it for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber.

Alternatively, if you don't use Amazon or prefer other formats (PDF and EPUB), you can obtain the e-book on the Patreon platform as shown below.

(By Dr. Jian Xu. Last updated: Oct 2024)

- You may also check out my China Intellectual Property Series (4 book series), which consists of my China Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law Handbooks, in addition to the 365 Intellectual Property Tips for China, all available on Amazon.

- Should you have any questions on China IP, please feel free to contact me: [email protected]