Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, July 29, 2025

Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025 global, meritsip 0 Comments

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.

Shanghai Putuo District Intellectual Property Office Holds Promotion Meeting for Integrated Circuit Industry Patent Navigation Project

On July 25, the Shanghai Putuo District Intellectual Property Office organized a promotion meeting for the integrated circuit industry patent navigation project. The goal is to couple patent information value with regional industrial development and enhance the synergy between intellectual property work and regional economic and social development. Representatives from the Putuo District Science and Technology Commission, East China Normal University’s School of Integrated Circuits, experts from the Shanghai Tsinghua International Innovation Center, and relevant enterprises attended.

The person – in – charge of the Putuo District Intellectual Property Office said in – depth analysis and strategic use of patent information are the core engines for cultivating high – value patents, etc. In the future, they’ll strengthen cooperation with enterprises and experts through the patent navigation project.

The office will continue to strengthen professional guidance services. It aims to enhance the driving effect of innovative factors on economic upgrading, improve patent information’s support for the integrated circuit industry, and inject new impetus into the regional industry’s high – quality development.

Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/zl/202507/1992503.html

Ten Major Reports | Smoke Rises on the Battlefield of Automobile Steel Plate Patents

As the global automotive industry grows, competition in hot – press formed high – strength steel plate technology is intensifying. Yucaitang, Baoshan Iron & Steel, Lingyun Jins Technology’s Changchun Branch, and POSCO requested the invalidation of a Nippon Steel Corporation patent at the CNIPA, claiming lack of novelty and inventiveness. On July 3, 2024, the patent was declared entirely invalid, with key evidence from a used Fiat 500 bought in Italy.

This dispute among steel giants from China, Japan, and South Korea has significant market impact and multiple related infringement lawsuits worth nearly 100 million yuan. It was selected as one of the top ten patent reexamination and invalidation cases of the year. Yucaitang, Baoshan Iron & Steel, and Lingyun Changchun filed requests in 2023, and POSCO joined later. Nippon Steel responded with statements and a revised claim.

At the oral hearing, the focus was on the probative force of publicly used evidence. The panel found Baoshan Iron & Steel’s evidence formed a chain to prove part origin. As the vehicle was registered before the patent’s priority date, the tested parts were prior art. All claims were deemed invalid. Experts believe this decision sets an example for reviewing publicly used evidence, clarifies criteria, and promotes a fairer patent environment, benefiting China’s automotive industry.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Rz7ZZo_3KLqGk2FPUovE-Q

Brave the WIPO Global Awards Top 30: What Did This Private Enterprise Do Right?

In the 2025 WIPO Global Awards, Carbon One New Energy (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Carbon One New Energy Group, ranked among the top 30. The group emphasizes independent innovation and IP protection, with over 350 domestic patent applications (250 invention patent applications) and nearly 200 authorized patents. It integrates innovation R & D with IP protection to drive high – quality development, solving industry pain points through independent R & D. The group’s IP management is a core strategy, with a systematic patent layout around core technologies. It enhances IP capabilities through full – staff hierarchical training, adheres to the “R & D means protection” concept, and uses a standardized management system. It takes measures at different R & D stages. Additionally, it builds a patent portfolio, includes IP protection in industry – university – research cooperation, and gets support from Zhejiang’s IP departments. In the future, it plans to increase R & D investment, promote key technology industrialization, and improve overseas patent layout.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/w0uhaxqCBhdRwx6Y-X0gYQ

Enforcement Effect! The First Notarization with Enforceable Effect for an Intellectual Property Dispute Mediation Agreement in Jiangxi is Finalized

On July 22, a ceramic enterprise in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi got a notarization for an intellectual property dispute mediation agreement, the first in Jiangxi with enforceable effect on payment content. The case involved a ceramic design patent infringement. The patent – holder found imitation on an e – commerce platform and turned to the Jingdezhen Intellectual Property Protection Center. The center started a rapid handling procedure, made an administrative ruling, and mediated on compensation. After negotiation, the two parties reached an administrative mediation agreement. To ensure implementation, the center guided them to apply to the Jingde Notary Office. The notary issued the notarization after confirming the agreement’s authenticity, legality, and validity. This “administrative mediation + notarization with enforceable effect” cooperation is an innovative practice in strengthening ceramic IP protection in Jiangxi, enhancing the agreement’s authority and enforceability, and protecting the rights – holder.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/gVChQ6lsrYa7OHHXrEF0wA

Newly Revised Implementing Regulations of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Come into Force

Recently, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced on its official website that the newly revised Implementing Regulations of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) have come into force. The revisions mainly cover Article 26(3), Article 89, and Article 92 of the regulations. They modify the examination and correction of certain parts of international applications by receiving offices to ensure single – language publication of international applications. Also, they permit competent authorities other than the International Bureau to accept only electronically submitted international applications and related documents, and enable the International Bureau to communicate with applicants or competent authorities in any language used for international publication.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Ry_j7zwIWHAJTcOR1Y7SUQ

Coordination of Patent Infringement Determination in Related Cases

The Supreme People’s Court Intellectual Property Tribunal issued a final judgment in a utility model patent infringement dispute. It emphasizes that for the same allegedly infringing product, patent right, and non – infringement defense, determinations in related cases should be consistent to avoid judgment conflicts.

In the case, Dongguan XX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. claimed a department store sold and promised to sell patent – infringing toothbrush cases. The department store argued for a legitimate source and used a technical solution from a patent conflict application. The first – instance court recognized the legitimate source defense but still ordered the department store to pay part of the rights – protection expenses. The Electronic Company appealed, while the department store did not.

During the second – instance, the court found that in a related case, the conflict application defense was valid. As the allegedly infringing products were the same, the Supreme People’s Court held the department store’s defense valid in this case, and the products did not infringe. The second – instance court revoked the first – instance judgment and dismissed the Electronic Company’s claims.

This case ensures unity in patent infringement judgment standards and results, achieving legal and social effect unity. It’s included in relevant judicial guides and annual reports.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lqk1f6oZY6Fc56-tRtXvbg

State Intellectual Property Office Press Conference: “Zhejiang Practice” in Building an Intellectual Property Power

On July 28, 2025, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) held a press conference to introduce Zhejiang’s efforts in building an intellectual property powerhouse and promoting high – quality development. The CNIPA has supported Zhejiang in various aspects.

Zhejiang has made remarkable progress in building an intellectual property – strong province, showing features like rapid enterprise growth, improved intellectual property levels, and an excellent protection environment. The province implemented five key measures: creating an innovation ecosystem via “five ones”, strengthening industrial development through “four activations”, adhering to strict protection with “four actions”, supporting opening – up with “three improvements”, and exploring urban – rural integration paths with “three achievements”.

Zhejiang representatives answered media questions on patent transformation, data intellectual property, etc. Zhejiang’s experience is a model for building an intellectual property power and high – quality development.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/0rVXiUaQ4N_IecTnYxIR9A

Intellectual Property News Round – up

This newsletter presents a series of intellectual property – related news. From January 1, 2026, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office will increase trademark, patent, and industrial design application and maintenance fees by 2.7%, impacting businesses and innovators targeting the Canadian market.

The Global Cell Bank Group’s Hunan Free Trade Pilot Zone Global Life Science Co., Ltd. has acquired an anti – tumor new drug patent from Hunan Normal University’s Professor Yang Xiaoping, applicable to various cancers, and plans to develop anti – cancer integrated medical technologies.

On July 30, 2025, the Supreme People’s Court Intellectual Property Tribunal will hold a public hearing on an invention patent invalidation administrative dispute between Zhejiang Xinhua Chemical Co., Ltd. and Wu Jun, with the CNIPA as the original defendant.

Tinghuadao has accused ReelShort of plagiarizing its copyrighted short dramas, and the infringement dispute remains unresolved.

Beijing has released an action plan for the intellectual property financial ecosystem, and Sichuan has launched a 100 – day special campaign for geographical indication administrative protection.

Hedy Microelectronics Group will use judicial means to protect shareholder rights due to suspected trade – secret theft by some subsidiary directors.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/m_gd9M7ryBajvhkqP2czKg

Same Batch of Invention Patent Applications: At Least 5 Eligible for Pre – examination to Apply for Batch Pre – examination Service | Notice Attached

Recently, the Beijing Intellectual Property Protection Center issued a notice on the 2025 invention patent application batch pre – examination service. Application conditions require the requester to complete pre – examination filing at the center, have no abnormal application behavior in the past year, and show strong demand and high cooperation. Patent applications should be within the center’s pre – examination scope, especially in key fields like AI and integrated circuits. A batch should consist of relevant invention patent applications in similar technical fields, with at least 5 meeting pre – examination passing conditions. The notice details handling procedures, including submitting forms via email, using the center’s platform, and submitting to CNIPA after approval. Notes include a December 15, 2025 deadline for batch requests and a December 31, 2025 deadline for feedback on approved patents.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/cmJ-uAt4DLbVtVzf1iEeVw

Patent | “Copying Design” of Famous Brand Sunglasses Leads to a Million-Yuan Compensation Verdict

Aiyirui Optical Co., Ltd. owns the design patent for “Glasses (ZX203X)”, and Yarui Optical Co., Ltd. is the licensee. They jointly operate the BOLON brand. Since December 2020, Lehuo Business Company and Leshang Design Company have been selling suspected infringing sunglasses through online and offline channels across 19 provinces and municipalities. The court found the alleged infringing design similar to the patented one, with minor differences not affecting the overall visual effect. The two defendants were found to have a common intention and cooperation in the infringement and were ordered to pay 1.2 million yuan in compensation. After the first – instance verdict, their appeal was rejected by the Jiangsu Higher People’s Court. This is a typical case of punishing “copying design” patent infringement, and the “Cloud Catcher” system can help companies detect infringement risks and protect innovation.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QgKYbZ2MZF-dns47RqrPbw

Can Hansai Therapeutics’ “Next-Generation Bispecific Antibody Immunotherapy” Shine in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange?

In 2025, the innovative drug sector in the Hong Kong stock market has boomed, leading to a resurgence in the trend of innovative pharmaceutical companies going public in Hong Kong. As of July 9, 12 biopharmaceutical companies have successfully listed, exceeding last year’s total.

On June 2, Hansai Therapeutics, focusing on next – generation bispecific antibody immunotherapy, submitted a listing application. It has completed three rounds of financing since 2016, with pre – IPO investors including Beijing Longpan Fund and Beida Pharmaceutical.

Led by an experienced team, it aims to break current immunotherapy limitations. It has developed the VersatiBody™ platform with features like diversification and wide applications.

The core pipeline includes HX009 (targeting PD – 1 x SIPRa) in phase II trials and HX044 (targeting CTLA – 4 x SIRPa) in phase I trials. The company is also laying out a second growth line, with ADC and autoimmune bispecific antibody pipelines expected to enter clinical trials in 2026. It has built a double moat of “technology platform + differentiated pipeline”, and its future performance is worthy of attention.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/82zV9mlXF4KhWoM2M7oAEw

Cardiovascular Final Battlefield: A Breakout in Heart Failure Treatment Technologies

Heart failure, the “final battlefield” in the cardiovascular field, is heating up. Dozens of companies have completed financing, and multiple technology routes like cell therapy, ventricular assist devices, and bionic pacemakers have achieved breakthroughs. The prevalence of heart failure is rising, especially among those over 65 in China, and existing drugs can only delay symptoms.

There are four innovative treatment directions. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are approved in China as an alternative to heart transplantation. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology shows potential for heart “regeneration,” but faces challenges and is in the verification stage. Two companies are leading in iPSC myocardial cell treatment, and the first therapy may hit the market in 2028.

The atrial shunt device (IASD) has been a hot financing area. Despite setbacks, new positive clinical data has attracted capital back. Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of V – Wave in 2024 may speed up commercialization.

In general, innovative heart failure therapies are moving from “symptomatic treatment” to “etiological intervention,” with future directions including multimodal combination, personalized precision, and commercial accessibility.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/yOdk_YZ1bAwwf0J320OLPw

Tianjin Resolves Disputes through Dual-track Approach, Shortens Trademark Rights Protection Cycle

Recently, Tianjin Market Supervision and Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Corps and Binhai New Area Intellectual Property Protection Center innovatively used a “administrative interviews + people’s mediation” dual – track approach to resolve a core trademark dispute of a Tianjin listed company. A well – known multinational pharmaceutical R & D enterprise planned to register a Class 5 trademark in 2024 but found it was already registered by a Hong Kong company. In 2025, the law enforcement corps intervened. They found the legal representatives of the Hong Kong company and a Tianjin trademark agency were the same person. The corps analyzed the improper nature and risks to the legal representative. At the same time, a communication platform and mediation channel were set up. The protection center balanced the interests of both sides. The two sides completed the trademark transfer and filing in three working days. This approach protected the enterprise’s brand value and economic interests, shortened the rights – protection cycle, and offered replicable experience for resolving trademark squatting disputes.

Source: https://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/sb/202507/1992506.html

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