Editor’s Note: Intellectual Property Highlights and Strategies for Innovation

Welcome to the MeritsIP Newsletter. We delve into critical updates in the intellectual property landscape, providing insights and strategies to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Read on to stay informed and ahead in the game of innovation.

State Intellectual Property Office: China’s Trademark Legislation Upgrades from “Partial Revision” to “Systematic Improvement”

On July 29 morning, the State Council Information Office held a press conference. The CNIPA said the newly – revised Trademark Law was passed on June 26 by the 23rd session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee. It’s the first full – scale revision since 1983, showing the shift from “partial revision” to “systematic improvement”. Key points of the revision are emphasizing good faith, perfecting registration conditions, improving the well – known trademark system, strengthening management, strictly regulating agencies, and defining department responsibilities. The new law will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Canada-China Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Project Extended

The Canada-China PPH pilot project will be extended for five years, starting from September 1, 2026, and ending on August 31, 2031, according to a joint decision by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Intellectual Property Office of Canada. The requirements and procedures for submitting PPH requests to the two offices remain unchanged.

PPH is a fast – track patent examination channel between different countries or regions, which accelerates the patent examination process through work – sharing among patent examination agencies. Since the launch of the first PPH pilot in November 2011, the CNIPA has established PPH cooperation mechanisms with patent examination agencies in 38 countries or regions, effectively supporting Chinese applicants to quickly obtain overseas patent rights.

China-EU Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot to Launch on August 1, 2026

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the European Patent Office will jointly launch the China-EU Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot on August 1, 2026. After its launch, applicants from both China and the EU can submit PPH requests to the CNIPA or the European Patent Office according to the procedures of this pilot project. PPH is a fast – track patent examination channel between different countries or regions, which speeds up the patent examination process through work – sharing among patent examination agencies. Since November 2011 when the first PPH pilot was launched, the CNIPA has established PPH cooperation mechanisms with 38 countries or regions’ patent examination agencies, effectively helping Chinese applicants quickly obtain overseas patent rights.

China – Indonesia Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot to Launch on August 1, 2026

According to a joint decision by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Directorate General of Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Indonesia, the China – Indonesia PPH pilot project will start on August 1, 2026, lasting for five years. After its launch, applicants from both countries can submit PPH requests to the relevant authorities following the pilot’s process. PPH is a fast – track patent review channel between different countries or regions, which speeds up the patent review through work sharing among patent review agencies. Since November 2011, the CNIPA has established PPH cooperation mechanisms with 38 countries or regions, helping Chinese applicants obtain overseas patents more rapidly.

Tianshui: 31 Agricultural Product Trademarks Added to “Ganwei” Brand Catalog

Recently, the Gansu Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs released the sixth – batch list for “Ganwei” agricultural product brand recognition and cultivation. Tianshui added 31 high – quality enterprise trademark brands to the provincial catalog, covering various products like “Xiyu” Huaniu apples. Several classic regional public brands in Tianshui were also recognized. “Tianshui Huaniu apples” are in the leading brand cultivation list, and others like Gangu peppers are in the advantageous brand cultivation list. Wushan leeks are a featured cultivation brand, clarifying the brand hierarchy of Tianshui’s high – quality agricultural products. In recent years, Tianshui has utilized its natural and industrial advantages to enhance the reputation of local products, promoting agricultural efficiency and farmers’ income. As of now, Tianshui has established 5 regional public brands and 107 enterprise trademark brands, forming a multi – level agricultural brand system.

US Patent and Trademark Office Announces Madrid e-Filing System as New Platform for International Trademark Applications

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will shift the channel for US applicants to file international trademark registration applications from the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) to the Madrid e – Filing system by WIPO. Over 40 national intellectual property authorities have adopted this system. The change aims to streamline international trademark applications, enhance the customer experience by reducing errors, and cut formal rejections. From now to September 30, applicants can choose either system. Starting October 1, 2026, the Madrid e – Filing system will be the only option for first – time international trademark applications based on US ones. Applicants must register a WIPO account. USPTO’s trademark agent is satisfied with the launch, citing time – saving and error – reduction benefits. The USPTO also issued a final rule and officially designated the system in a Federal Register notice.

EU Trademarks Drive Record-High Intellectual Property Applications in H1 2026

In H1 2026, the EUIPO saw a record number of IP applications. EU trademark and design applications totaled 166,214, up 4.7% year – on – year. EU trademark apps increased steadily; 104,263 were accepted from Jan – Jun 2026, an 8.4% rise from 2025, driven by EU single – market demand. Internal EU apps rose from 57.4% in 2025 to 60.7% in 2026. France had the highest growth rate among EU states. China, despite a 12.4% decline, was still the largest source.

EU design apps had a mixed performance. The total was 61,951, a 1% decrease from 2025. Most top applicant countries saw declines, but EU – member apps rose 1.6%. Spain had a 28% increase, and Germany grew 2.9%. China was the top applicant for EU designs.

The new CIGI system launched in Dec 2025 received 81 apps in H1 2026, with Portugal leading. These data show strong and continuous demand for the EU IP system.

Canada Intellectual Property Office Releases 2026 – 2031 Business Strategy

On July 3, 2026, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) released its 2026 – 2031 business strategy, outlining its vision and priorities for the next five years. The strategy explains how CIPO will respond to the changing IP landscape and improve Canadians’ access to IP – related services. It focuses on four key priorities: timely delivery of high – quality IP products and services, promoting innovation in the knowledge – based economy, supporting Canada’s trade priorities, and building an excellent workforce.

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