Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, July 15, 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 Protects Intellectual Property Rights Network: Jiangsu Launches “Patent Industrialization + Stock Option” Reform
The Jiangsu Provincial Intellectual Property Administration and the Provincial Local Financial Regulatory Bureau jointly issued the “Jiangsu Province ‘Patent Industrialization + Stock Option’ Work Plan”, pioneering the “patent industrialization + stock option” practice in China. The plan uses a “risk mitigation” mechanism to solve the problem of universities and research institutions’ reluctance, fear, or inability to transfer patents.
The core is a “patenting for equity + delayed exercise” model. When provincial universities and research institutions invest patent technologies in high – tech enterprises, they can hold stock options instead of immediate equity and exercise the right to subscribe for equity at an agreed price later. This links patent value with corporate growth dividends, alleviating concerns about state – owned asset loss and enhancing patent – transfer willingness. Two projects from Southeast University have been launched first.
In the first batch, 20 universities and research institutions will be selected for special training. A “one – achievement, one – plan” design will be implemented, with agreements jointly drafted and followed by compliance publicity and registration. Full – cycle services will be provided, and successful cases will be promoted. Cross – recognition of stock options in the Yangtze River Delta regional equity market is expected, providing valuable experience for the country.
Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/zl/202507/1992359.html
China’s Intellectual Property Protection: Jingdezhen’s Success
On July 3, Jingdezhen’s Intellectual Property Protection Center reached a milestone. Since April 15, its rapid patent pre – examination has been successful. Two invention and one utility model patents accepted by the center were authorized by CNIPA, the first batch via its rapid pre – examination channel after the upgrade to a national – level center. After pre – examination, these patents entered CNIPA’s “green channel” on May 26 and June 16. The invention patents took 37 days and the utility model patent 17 days from pre – examination to authorization, cutting the review cycle. This reduces innovation time and risk for enterprises, spurring innovation. The center has received 227 patent pre – examination cases. Its pre – examination team is professional and efficient. In the future, it will focus on the ceramic experimental zone, meet local industrial innovation needs, and offer quality IP services for Jingdezhen’s development.
Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/zl/202507/1992364.html
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property Rights Network
On July 8, the Market Supervision Administration of Dangyang City, Hubei Province, held its first on – site trademark training event in Yuxiao Town, which was well – received by over 40 participants from local farmer cooperatives and individual businesses.
Dangyang’s specialty industries have grown rapidly, but operators face issues like weak trademark awareness. To tackle this, the administration established a three – level service system. Market supervision offices gathered demands, and the intellectual property department compiled a guide and designed training programs. The training combined theory, case studies, and Q&A, covering trademark knowledge, registration, use, and protection.
The first – round training was successful, laying a foundation for the “Trademark Training in Townships” program. The administration aims to complete training in all 10 towns and sub – districts in July. In the future, it will set up “Trademark Service Contact Points” to provide one – on – one services, promoting the integration of trademark strategy and rural revitalization for the county’s high – quality development.
Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/sb/202507/1992391.html
Guangxi Liuzhou Promotes High – quality Development of the Trademark Agency Industry
Recently, to implement CNIPA’s requirements on trademark agency credit evaluation management, the Liuzhou Market Supervision and Administration Bureau in Guangxi held a training session. The goal was to standardize the industry order and promote high – quality development.
The training covered the latest industry requirements. Experts from the Autonomous Region Market Supervision and Administration Bureau interpreted relevant policies, analyzed key tasks through cases, and helped agencies understand credit evaluation points and standards.
Agency representatives said the training enriched their knowledge and promoted industry standardization. The bureau will continue to enhance local agencies’ core capabilities for better intellectual property services.
Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/sb/202507/1992300.html
WIPO Announces 2025 Global Awards Winners: Recognizing IP-Driven Innovation and Impact
Ten SMEs and startups won the 2025 WIPO Global Awards. Their products span antibody therapies, gesture – voice gloves, etc., showing IP’s power in improving lives. Now in its fourth year, the awards honor entrepreneurs using IP for business growth and social – economic contribution. The winners, chosen from 780 applicants across 95 countries, represent various sectors. The ceremony was on July 11, 2025, in Geneva. Winners get rewards like mentoring and access to WIPO resources. In 2025, two special awards for diversity were added. The program aligns with WIPO’s mission to make innovation accessible globally.
Source: https://www.wipo.int//pressroom/zh/articles/2025/article_0007.html
Artificial Intelligence Wave Drives Surge in Intangible Asset Investment through Software and Database Financing
In the AI era, in 2024, investment in intangible assets (e.g., data, software, brands) grew three times faster than that in tangible assets. The US led in absolute intangible investment, and Sweden topped in intangible asset intensity. The Global Intangible Investment Outlook showed intangible investment in 27 mid – to high – income economies rose by 3% from 2023 – 2024 to $7.6 trillion, with a 4% compound annual growth rate from 2008 – 2024, far outpacing tangible assets. Software and databases were the fastest – growing intangibles. AI spurred two investment waves. Measuring intangibles is crucial, yet over 60% are uncounted, and the WIPO – LUISS report aims to fill the data gap for policy – making.
Source: https://www.wipo.int//pressroom/zh/articles/2025/article_0005.html
Director Daren Tang Announces the Opening of WIPO’s Member States Assembly, Welcomes Record Number of Delegates
On Tuesday, WIPO Director General Daren Tang opened the 66th session of the WIPO Member States Assembly, welcoming a record number of delegates. He reported WIPO’s good financial situation and presented the 2026 – 2027 work plan. He welcomed Micronesia as the 194th member and called for joint efforts to ensure IP supports global development. From July 8 – 17, 2025, delegates will review WIPO’s performance, adjust treaties and registration bodies, and consider the work plan and budget. Tang noted global innovation is still strong, with over 40 IP applications per minute. He mentioned the shift to intangible assets. In 2024, WIPO’s application services earned nearly 500 million Swiss francs, with investment income and a year – end surplus. WIPO has achieved much in four key areas in the past four years but needs to do more to turn ideas into reality.
Source: https://www.wipo.int//pressroom/zh/articles/2025/article_0006.html
SACEPO Annual Meeting: Key Discussions on Quality, Digitalization, and Legal Frameworks
On July 1, the Standing Advisory Committee before the European Patent Office (SACEPO) held an online annual meeting with 40 international experts. Key topics covered quality, digital transformation, EPO IP Lab activities, AI, legal changes, and the Unitary Patent. Members welcomed quality progress, supported the 2025 Quality Action Plan, and aimed for continued harmonization. The EPO has cut paper use and plans a fully – digitalized patent – granting process by 2027. Legal changes for digital transformation are in the works, with the EPO keeping databases separate. The two – year review of the Unitary Patent showed positive trends. Other updates included progress from the EPO Observatory, well – received IP Lab activities, and discussions on the validation framework and AI policy with a human – centric approach.
EPO President meets with IP Australia Director General
On July 7, EPO President António Campinos welcomed an IP Australia delegation led by Director General Michael Schwager to the EPO headquarters in Munich. As long – standing partners, they explored global IP challenges and deepened strategic cooperation. The meeting discussed AI use in patent – granting and a future pilot for Australian users to choose the EPO as ISA. Both offices recognized the need to strengthen the global patent system for societal progress and innovation and showed interest in deeper collaboration.
They updated on support for SMEs and universities and reaffirmed commitment to facilitating patent access. The Unitary Patent system is aiding this, with significant SME participation in Europe and high uptake from Australian applicants in 2025.
After the WIPO Treaty adoption, both emphasized adequate protection, and the EPO has a large prior – art collection. Work on the next biennial work plan, marking 20 years of cooperation, is ongoing.
Source: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-president-meets-ip-australia-director-general
European Inventor Award 2026: Call for Nominations
The European Patent Office (EPO) has launched a nomination campaign for the 2026 European Inventor Award. Nominations must be submitted by 30 September 2025. The EPO aims to recognize inventors with significant contributions in areas like healthcare, clean energy, and digital technologies. Eligible candidates are inventors or teams with a granted European patent, from any country, in any tech field, and working in various sectors. Multiple nominations are accepted, and both IP professionals and the public can nominate. The EPO offers an easy – to – use online platform and eligibility details. Its technology platforms on Espacenet assist in finding specific inventions, and the Deep Tech Finder helps locate startups with European patent applications or grants.
Source: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/european-inventor-award-2026-call-nominations
On June 13, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a precedential administrative Final Order for Sanctions against Stelcore Management Services, LLC, a foreign filing firm. The firm was sanctioned for improper signature – entry and providing false information in trademark submissions. The order terminates related trademark application proceedings. The USPTO noted that improper signatures to circumvent rules are uncorrectable and can invalidate applications or registrations, and false signature info impairs its ability to register valid marks. The Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP) will be updated in November to include this order to safeguard U.S. intellectual property system integrity.
Source: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-issues-order-sanctions-against-foreign-filing-firm
USPTO Announces New Online Filing Option for TTAB Customers
On May 12, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office introduced a new option for Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) customers to file cancellation petitions in the new TTAB Center system. Currently, petitioners can choose between TTAB Center and the existing Electronic System for Trademark Trials and Appeals (ESTTA). However, ESTTA will stop accepting cancellation petitions on July 12, 2025. A cancellation proceeding enables a party to cancel an active trademark registration. The TTAB encourages users to provide feedback on the TTAB Center webpage to assist the transition from ESTTA and system modernization. TTAB Center is replacing ESTTA as the central platform for TTAB – related business, offering more secure filing, better draft – saving and sharing options, and a centralized docket. Notices of opposition can now only be filed via TTAB Center. Resources like an informational webpage and FAQs support the transition. Customers can contact the TTAB by phone or email.
USPTO seeking nominations for all Public Advisory Committee seats
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for 18 recently vacated Public Advisory Committee (PAC) positions, including nine on the Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and nine on the Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). New members will be appointed in May 2025 to serve the remaining terms of existing vacancies ending in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and may serve a subsequent three – year term. The PACs, established in 1999, advise the Secretary of Commerce on patent and trademark operations. Each committee has nine voting members appointed by the Secretary. Nominations must be submitted electronically by March 31, 2025, 5 p.m. ET, with the completed application form. Contact Chris Shipp at PAC@uspto.gov for more information.
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