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.

Shandong: Accelerating the Transition of Patents from “Lab” to “Production Line”

Shandong is using the newly revised “Regulations of Shandong Province on Patents” to tackle issues like insufficient high – value patent supply, low conversion efficiency, and difficult patent rights protection. The 2013 regulations needed updating due to national law revisions and new patent work situations, and local experiences called for institutionalization.

The regulations follow a “full – chain governance” concept with 33 articles. They focus on high – value patent cultivation, employee invention incentives, patent conversion, protection, and service management. For conversion, unused government – funded patents may be put on a public implementation list. A connection mechanism between administrative law enforcement and the judiciary is established for protection. A public service system, trading platforms, and an information service network are to be built, and a patent evaluation system is introduced. The provincial market supervision department’s deputy director said relevant departments will make supporting policies for effective implementation.

Shen Changyu’s Overseas Visits for IP and GI Cooperation

Recently, Shen Changyu, Director of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, led a delegation to Portugal for the 40th anniversary of China – EU IPO cooperation and the 19th China – EU IPO Directors’ Meeting, then visited the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry. In Portugal, Shen talked with EPO President Antonio Campinos. They summarized 40 – year cooperation achievements and exchanged views on future cooperation. Shen noted fruitful results and closer future cooperation, while Campinos said the cooperation is practical and effective and hopes to elevate the partnership. After the meeting, a classification – field cooperation agreement was signed. In Italy, the delegation exchanged views on geographical indications with the Italian ministry, discussed MOU implementation and future cooperation. They also visited the Italian Geographical Indication Products Industry Alliance and enterprises for exchanges on GI protection and promotion.

Source: True

Tianjin’s 18th People’s Congress Standing Committee Passes “Tianjin Patent Promotion Regulations”

Recently, the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of the 18th Tianjin People’s Congress reviewed and approved the “Tianjin Patent Promotion Regulations”, effective from November 1, 2025. The Regulations absorb the spirit of previous local regulations and respond to national law revisions, aiming to address the inadaptability issues between the old local regulations and superior laws and the current patent management system. Comprising five chapters and 35 articles, it covers six key aspects: establishing a patent work mechanism, creating a good development environment, clarifying rewards and preferential measures, promoting high – quality patent creation, facilitating high – efficiency patent transformation and utilization, and strengthening service and guarantee for patent promotion.

Source: True

Jiangxi Trademark Business Acceptance Windows Achieve Remarkable Results

The trademark business acceptance windows in Jiangxi adhere to the “people – centered” concept and promote trademark registration facilitation reform. As of June 30, 2025, the 8 authorized windows in Jiangxi have cumulatively handled 20,829 trademark registration applications, saving over 20 million yuan for business entities. They also completed 199 trademark pledge businesses worth 3.954 billion yuan, easing enterprises’ financing difficulties.

These windows have taken effective measures, including multi – dimensional publicity, innovating service mechanisms for “one – window handling” and “running at most once”, and offering “online + offline” services. An official from the Jiangxi Provincial Market Supervision and Administration Bureau said they will continue to innovate services and contribute to the province’s development.

Focus on Advances in Digital Transformation at the SACEPO Working Party on Rules

At the autumn meeting of the SACEPO Working Party on Rules in 2025, digital transformation was the core topic. The meeting on October 7 covered various well – received initiatives. There was a constructive discussion on planned amendments to the EPC Rules for the paperless patent granting process before its full implementation in April 2027. Digitalization aims and related measures were supported. Members proposed ideas on third – party paper observations and Mailbox functionalities.

While referral G1/25 is pending, the EPO continues examination and opposition proceedings, and the Office explained the implementation of recent Enlarged Board decisions. The Office presented early experiences of an AI – assisted oral proceeding minutes pilot, which was welcomed. The meeting updated members on the convergence of practice programme, with a focus on “broad claims” and “double patenting”. The EPO relies on user feedback, and the SACEPO Working Party on Rules is a feedback channel.

Source: True

EPO President Highlights IP’s Role in Sustainable Development at Expo 2025

During a visit to Japan, EPO President António Campinos reaffirmed the EPO’s commitment to international cooperation, sustainable innovation, and an inclusive global patent system. He participated in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, high – level meetings, and IP – related exchanges. At the International Forums on IP for SDGs, he emphasized the EPO’s support for societal innovation and patent system accessibility. Roundtable discussions with representatives from various IP offices explored ways to close gender and generational gaps. In a panel on women and youth, he stressed inclusion. In bilateral talks with JPO Commissioner, they agreed to renew the 2019 Memorandum of Cooperation until 2027. Campinos outlined the success of the Unitary Patent system, met with Japanese stakeholders, and presented the Unitary Patent as an option for SMEs.

USPTO launches new AI Pilot for pre – examination utility application search

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot (ASAP!) Program on October 8, 2025. Aimed at testing the efficacy of its internal AI tool for pre – examination prior art searches, it aligns with the USPTO’s goal of enhancing examination quality, response time, and efficiency. John A. Squires said it’s part of their “lean – in” to AI. The pilot offers applicants an initial communication with a “top ten list” of potential prior art issues via an AI – Assisted Search Results Notice (ASRN), allowing early assessment of claims. It also informs applicants of possible first – action responses. The USPTO will use an internal AI system for the search, getting contextual info from the application. The pilot results will be used to assess search outcomes, scalability of ASRN generation, and collect data. Applicants must file a specific petition with a fee to join ASAP!.

Source: True

About Us

MeritsIP: Your Global Intellectual Property Partner

At MeritsIP, we provide comprehensive IP services in biomedicine, medical devices, manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI. We support 200+ top clients globally with strategic, high-quality IP services.

Stay Connected

• • Website: https://www.meritsipglobal.com

• • LinkedIn: Follow us on LinkedIn

• • Email: info@meritsip.com

© 2025 MeritsIP. All Rights Reserved.