China to revise patent Law - People's Daily Online

An article in the People's Daily Online outlines the newest round of revisions being made to China's intellectual property laws.  As anyone who has any contact with China and its patent system knows, certainty is not a term that would easily come to mind.  While none of the changes should be taken as foregone conclusions, it is worth noting and watching.

According to the article:

China's Patent Law will see its third round of changes as the country seeks to iron out problems in the legislation and patent system, a move that is being called "imperative," and timely, reported Thursday's China Daily.

The amendment also aims to meet the challenges from new developments after it joined the World Trade Organization, according to Tian Lipu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).

The revisions are also expected to better balance the interests of patent holders and the public, and to safeguard national interests and economic security, said the paper.

The sections that are likely to be revised will include how to simplify patent application and examination procedures, whether to adopt international standards in granting patents, and how to improve patent protection and infringement judgment standards.

SIPO also suggested adding some rules in the Patent Law to protect China's biological and genetic resources.

Matt has a great category on Chinese patent reforms and issues over at Promote the Progress if you are interested in additional information.