Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, December 29, 2025
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.
China’s Intellectual Property Protection Network
Recently, the 78th Executive Meeting of the Henan Provincial Government approved the “Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Transformation and Utilization of Patents in Henan Province”. The Plan aims to build a “1+2+3+4” working system with 10 key measures to bridge the “last mile” of patent transformation and integrate IP into the modern industrial system for high – quality development. It aligns with Party Congress spirit and sets clear goals for 2028 and 2030 regarding valid invention patents, high – value patents per 10,000 people, cultivation centers, and operation centers. Core tasks involve building platforms, centers, implementing projects, and carrying out tasks. The Henan Provincial Administration for Market Regulation will lead implementation, including establishing mechanisms, refining plans, and enhancing publicity. In the future, Henan will use the Plan to promote high – value patent development and drive industrial construction and development.
Shanghai Hosts the Third “Patent Operation Special Envoy” Training
From November 25 – 27, 2025, the third Shanghai “Patent Operation Special Envoy” training, hosted by the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration and organized by the Shanghai Intellectual Property Service Industry Association, took place at the Caohejing Conference Center. Nearly 140 trainees participated. The person – in – charge of the Utilization Promotion Department of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration and Fan Zheng, the president of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Service Industry Association, attended the opening ceremony and delivered mobilizing speeches.
President Fan recalled the previous two – phase training and expressed confidence in cultivating patent operation talents. He hoped trainees would study hard and apply knowledge to practice.
The three – day training for Shanghai’s intellectual property service professionals covered macro – policies, case studies, and practical operations. It provided a replicable model for talent cultivation and laid a talent foundation for enhancing intellectual property utilization, optimizing the business environment, and promoting the construction of a scientific and technological innovation center.
Hong Kong SAR Applicants’ Prioritized Patent Examination Project in Mainland China to Be Implemented Regularly in 2026
To promote the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area construction, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) launched a pilot project on January 1, 2023, for prioritized examination of invention patents filed by Hong Kong SAR applicants in the mainland. Eligible applicants could apply via the CNIPA’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen agencies. In the past three years, nearly 200 applications entered the prioritized channel, shortening the examination cycle and aiding patent layout. The pilot achieved good results. Starting from January 1, 2026, the CNIPA will implement it regularly to support Hong Kong residents in protecting intellectual property on the mainland and promote the SAR’s innovation.
Live Text: Regular Press Conference of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) in December 2025
On December 26, 2025, the CNIPA held a press conference to introduce Beijing’s IP reform for high – quality development. Hosted by Heng Fuguang, reps from relevant Beijing depts attended. The CNIPA supported Beijing’s IP work in multiple ways. Beijing achieved remarkable results with “14th Five – Year Plan” indicators met ahead of schedule and carried out six key tasks. In patent transformation, it strengthened guidance. The Beijing Higher People’s Court took measures in judicial protection, the Beijing Copyright Bureau set up a collaborative governance mechanism, Haidian District implemented IP – related measures, the Market Supervision Dept focused on law enforcement, and Beijing promoted IP innovation in “Two Zones” construction.
The 15th Sub – forum of the Asia IP Forum for the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area
Recently, the 15th sub – forum of the Asia IP Forum for the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, co – hosted by the Guangdong Market Supervision Administration (IP Office) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Representatives from IP departments, experts, and representatives of financial institutions and tech companies from the three regions participated.
This year’s sub – forum had three innovations. It focused on the IP financial ecosystem development in the Greater Bay Area, presented successful cases from Guangdong. Thought – sharing was more in – depth, with guests sharing front – line practices and in – depth thinking on IP value realization. It also emphasized the government’s role, with an official explaining its role in IP investment and financing and reviewing Guangdong’s policy innovations.
Guangdong has a strong performance in IP work. The “Shenzhen – Hong Kong – Guangzhou” tech cluster ranks first globally. The Guangdong Market Supervision Administration (IP Office) will promote innovation cooperation and strive for full – chain IP development to drive high – quality development in the Greater Bay Area.
Fujian Hosts Intellectual Property Transformation and Utilization and “Double Five – Star” Patent Matching Event
Recently, an intellectual property transformation and utilization and “Double Five – Star” patent matching event took place in Nan’an, Fujian. Over 120 representatives from relevant sectors participated to explore efficient IP transformation paths and plan for the high – quality development of the manufacturing industry.
At the event, the Nan’an Stone Industry Intellectual Property Innovation Consortium was launched, and a patent navigation analysis report on the stone industry was released. There were also “Double Five – Star” patent project roadshows, achievement displays, theme sharing, and policy interpretations.
Multiple key collaborations were achieved. Quanzhou Bank’s Nanan Ximei Sub – branch signed IP pledge loan intention agreements with two enterprises. Huaqiao University completed the signing of six patent transfer agreements with the Nanan Smart Manufacturing Research Institute, and the institute signed industrialization cooperation agreements with participating enterprises. The event promoted the precise matching of patent results with market demand and the transformation and utilization of “Double Five – Star” patents.
Ningxia Builds a Standard System for Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Assistance
Recently, three local standards in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region regarding intellectual property rights protection and assistance workstations were officially released and will take effect on February 16, 2026. As a highlight of local characteristics in China’s 2025 intellectual property powerhouse construction, these standards are based on Ningxia’s industrial layout, targeting pain – points of innovative entities’ IP protection. They turn years of rights – protection practice into norms, promoting the improvement of the IP protection system through measures like building a closed – loop operation, unifying key elements, establishing dynamic management, and meeting market demand. Next, the Ningxia Intellectual Property Office will continue to promote these standards, aiming to offer more efficient rights – protection support for innovative entities, optimize the business environment, and drive high – quality development of the private economy.
Hunan Holds Overseas Intellectual Property Risk Investigation and Analysis Meeting
On December 18, the Hunan Overseas Intellectual Property Risk Investigation and Analysis Meeting took place in Changsha. The purpose was to implement the central government’s deployment on foreign – related IP disputes, analyze the situation, and enhance the province’s overseas IP protection and risk prevention. Wu Feng, a deputy director of the Hunan Provincial Market Supervision Administration, attended and spoke.
Since the risk investigation campaign, Hunan’s IP departments and relevant units achieved notable results. They covered 2,877 enterprises, identified high – and general – risk ones with a 95% completion rate. A provincial rights – protection workstation was set up, local standards and a guide were issued, and 230 rights – protection problems were solved.
The meeting required promoting overseas IP protection. It emphasized policy support, optimizing the business environment, and capital investment. A long – term mechanism with a risk archive database and a digital monitoring system should be established. Precise services and capacity building were also emphasized.
Relevant departments and units exchanged experiences at the meeting. Enterprises shared their needs, and a professor gave a lecture on global IP risks and dispute resolution.
Laser Radar Chip “First Case” Upgrades: What Are the Odds of Winning the Patent Counterclaim?
On December 17, a new confrontation occurred in the “first chip case” of the lidar industry. Lingming Photonics announced a counter – suit against RoboSense for “patent infringement” a week after saying it hadn’t received a legal notice on December 10. RoboSense responded, emphasizing Lingming Photonics’ suspected trade – secret infringement as the dispute core and revealing legal measures. Lingming Photonics’ counter – claim faces pressure. Its patent strength is much weaker than RoboSense’s, and its rapid tech leap is doubtful. It may also encounter commercial challenges. Meanwhile, RoboSense’s “trade – secret infringement” lawsuit has a high evidence threshold. The lawsuit’s outcome depends on the law. This case indicates that lidar industry competition has entered the “chip” and “patent” competition stage, highlighting tech originality and IP layout importance.
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property Rights Network
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has approved the 18th batch of trademark business acceptance windows to enhance the intellectual property public service system and assist trademark applicants. These windows are set to launch on December 31, 2025. The “Trademark Business Acceptance Window of Changsha Economic and Technological Development Zone in Hunan Free Trade Area” is included. Once operational, it will directly offer services like trademark registration, change, and renewal to local and nearby enterprises, reducing their time and costs. This approval is a key step for Changsha Economic Development Zone to optimize the business environment and public service functions in the free trade area. It will support enterprise technological innovation and brand protection more efficiently and conveniently, and contribute to the construction of the national high – quality agglomeration development pilot zone for intellectual property services in Hunan Free Trade Area Changsha Area and Changsha Economic Development Zone.
18th Batch of Shanghai’s Key Trademark Protection List Released
Recently, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration released the 18th batch of the List of Key Trademarks under Protection in Shanghai to strengthen trademark right protection. A total of 109 key trademarks from 75 entities were included, featuring three main characteristics. It enhances protection for well – known foreign trademarks, emphasizes protection in high – quality consumption fields, and focuses on key trademarks in new business forms. The key trademark protection system is an administrative tool centered on “precise targeting, efficient allocation, and collaborative governance.” So far, 1371 key trademarks have been included in 18 batches, supporting trademark – related law – enforcement. The administration will address concerns of market players and continue to strengthen trademark protection for a first – class business environment.
Trademark Law (Revised Draft) Solicits Public Comments
The 19th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee reviewed the “Draft Revision of the Trademark Law of the PRC”. It’s now open for public consultation. The public can submit comments via the NPC’s official website (www.npc.gov.cn) or the National Laws and Regulations Database (flk.npc.gov.cn), or send them to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee (Address: No.1, Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100805, marking “Solicitation of Comments on the Draft Revision of the Trademark Law” on the envelope). The consultation lasts 45 days. The draft’s electronic version can be downloaded as “Trademark Law (Revised Draft).PDF”.
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Myanmar Introduces Copyright Customs Filing Rules
Myanmar’s customs authorities have introduced a new procedure enabling copyright holders to safeguard their intellectual property at the border. On September 11, 2025, the Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 107/2025, setting rules for customs filing under the 2019 Copyright Law, with 8 official forms. The customs department later issued Announcement No. 1/2025 on September 29, 2025, clarifying guarantee requirements for suspending goods’ release.
Customs filing allows right – holders to proactively prevent pirated imports. They need a copyright registration certificate for filing, which can be done directly or via a representative. The application must follow the form and include supporting documents. Each filing lasts two years and can be renewed.
Right – holders can request a suspension of release order. The application can be in English or Burmese and submitted in multiple ways. The customs will respond within 30 days. If approved, a deposit is required within 7 days. Certain imported goods are exempt from customs enforcement. This is a positive step for enterprises to fight piracy.
South Korea’s Intellectual Property Ministry Announces 2026 Budget
On November 25, 2025, South Korea’s Intellectual Property Ministry announced a 2026 budget of 46.8 billion won, a 45.1% increase from 2025. The increase aims to strengthen prevention and response to intellectual property disputes. Key allocations include 9.4 billion won for combatting brand counterfeiting, 1.6 billion for anti – counterfeiting technologies, and 2.9 billion for an AI – based quick identification system. 1.2 billion won will be used to protect trade secrets in SMEs, and 1 billion for handling NPE disputes overseas. The government will integrate centers into an “Intellectual Property Legal Support Center” and set up overseas centers. The ministry aims to create a worry – free innovation environment for growth.
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