Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, September 17, 2025

Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, September 17, 2025

September 17, 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.

Shaanxi Introduces Measures to Promote Patent Transformation in Universities and Research Institutes

The Shaanxi Provincial Intellectual Property Administration, along with other departments, jointly issued the “Several Measures for Further Improving the Efficiency of Patent Transformation and Utilization in Universities and Research Institutes and Establishing a Long – term Mechanism”. Aimed at revitalizing patent resources and building a transformation ecosystem, these measures aim to turn patents into productive forces and create industrial advantages.

The measures propose 13 initiatives in three aspects: revitalizing existing patents for industry, strengthening institutional building for transformation, and enhancing diversified services for the ecosystem. They suggest increasing patent inventories, supporting secondary development, and setting up a “supply – demand list” mechanism. To stimulate transformation motivation, pre – application evaluation mechanisms and multiple examination modes are recommended. Various transformation models are also promoted.

For ecosystem construction, the measures involve improving industry – university – research integration, attracting professional agencies, strengthening services, and building patent pools for key industries. Officials said they focus on both short – term efficiency and long – term mechanism building to release patent value and support Shaanxi’s modern industrial system.

464,000 Patents! China’s Nanotechnology Industry Enters a Bumper Harvest Period

Recently, the 10th China International Conference on Nanoscience and Technology was held in Beijing. The “White Paper on China’s Nanotechnology Industry (2025)” reveals that China leads globally in nanotechnology patents, with its industrial development momentum strengthening. From 2000 – 2025, globally authorized nanotech patents exceeded 1.078 million, and China accounted for 464,000 (43%). China’s patent layout focuses on semiconductor devices, catalytic chemistry, biomedicine, and new materials. Regionally, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Suzhou lead in semiconductors, and biomedicine patents concentrate in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The Chinese Academy of Sciences tops global patent – holders. As of May 2025, there were over 34,500 nanotech enterprises, 739 listed companies, and 9.92 million employees. It’s estimated that by end – 2025, the global nano – market will reach $1.5 trillion, with a 17%+ compound growth rate from 2018 – 2025. China’s patent transfer and licensing rate exceeds 8%, and achievement transformation efficiency is rising. China’s nanotech industry is in high – speed development, and a nanotech industrial matrix across regions was presented, showing a vibrant regional collaborative innovation ecosystem.

CNIPA: In 2024, the Total Revenue of Patent Agencies Reached Approximately 48.79 Billion Yuan, with 40,115 Practicing Patent Agents

On September 11, 2025, the “2025 National Statistical Survey Report on the Intellectual Property Service Industry” was released at the International Conference on the Development of the Intellectual Property Service Industry during the CIFTIS. Focusing on 2024 data, it showed the industry’s development. In 2024, the industry grew steadily, with about 102,000 service – providing institutions (up 14.6% year – on – year) and a total revenue of about 294 billion yuan, with patent agencies contributing 48.79 billion yuan.

The industry played a significant role in employment, with about 1.104 million employees (up 12.2%) by the end of 2024, including 40,115 practicing patent agents (up 16.6%), and new employees mainly aged 26 – 30. Service ability and coverage expanded, serving domestic and foreign enterprises and participating in strategy – making. It also shifted from “basic services” to “value creation”, with a growing demand for achievement transformation and value – realization services and extensive use of digital tools.

Beijing was a model, with 199,700 patent grants (119,600 invention patents) in 2024, over 9,000 service institutions, 1,206 patent agencies (1/5 of the national total), and 14,000 practicing patent agents (36% of the national total) by the end of 2024, and it built high – quality platforms and strengthened international cooperation.

Requirements and Procedures for Applying as a Filing Entity at Wuhan Intellectual Property Protection Center

Recently, the Wuhan Intellectual Property Protection Center released a notice seeking public comments on the “Administrative Measures for Pre – examination Services of Patent Applications in Wuhan Intellectual Property Protection Center (Draft for Comment)”. Filing entities must be registered enterprises or institutions in Wuhan with legal personality, established over 6 months ago, with high innovation ability, and meeting specific industrial fields. They should have stable R & D funds and strong R & D strength. Generally, at least one authorized valid invention patent is required; in special cases, explanations or certifications are needed. There should be no patent – related discreditable behavior in the past three years and no abnormal or low – quality patent applications, along with a real willingness for pre – examination applications.

“Precise Service Filing Entities” are exempt from some application conditions. To apply, materials like a business license, a pre – examination commitment letter, financial audit statements on R & D investment, and social security information of at least 3 in – service R & D personnel in the past 6 months are required. The public can send comments to whippcks@163.com by September 19, 2025.

Guangdong Higher People’s Court: Richemont Wins Rights Protection Lawsuit, Cartier Tank Series Watch Decoration Gets Anti – Unfair Competition Law Protection, Awarded 5 Million Yuan in Compensation

The Guangdong Higher People’s Court ruled in favor of Cartier International AG in a lawsuit against Guangzhou Simo Watch Industry Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Jumo Watch Industry Co., Ltd. for unauthorized use of a well – known product decoration. The Cartier Tank watch, with its unique tank – inspired design and features like a rectangular dial and parallel lugs, has gained high popularity in China. Its sword – shaped hands, Roman numerals, and convex sapphire crown have also become distinctive. The defendants used a similar decoration on their watches, which could cause source confusion among relevant consumers. Considering various factors, the court ordered the two defendants to jointly compensate Cartier 5 million yuan, and the second – instance court upheld the first – instance judgment.

Renda Accuses Yang Fan from Zhonghe of “Three Crimes”: What Do You Think?

On September 15, Renda Law Exam Education accused Zhonghe and teacher Yang Fan of three crimes on Weibo. First, an effective 2021 agreement states Yang is Renda’s exclusive teaching and book – compiling teacher for the 2026 exam season. His move to Zhonghe may breach the agreement and cause copyright issues. Second, a 2017 non – competition clause in an agreement between Beijing Dongda Zhengbao and Yang may be violated by his new position at Zhonghe. Third, Renda claims Zhonghe, a market competitor, may engage in unfair competition by hiring Yang.

The law exam training industry has a history of disputes. Houda sued Renda before, with the second – instance verdict reversing the first – instance decision. In 2022, Zhonghe apologized for plagiarizing Renda’s materials. Now, well – known international law teacher Yang has left Renda for Zhonghe. Whether Renda’s accusations will succeed is uncertain, and there’s speculation about court representation and the case’s inclusion in future exam materials.

Hubei Enshi Badong Launches “Iron Fist” Campaign for Key Trademark Brand Protection

On September 12, the Intellectual Property Section of the Badong County Market Supervision Administration in Enshi, Hubei, launched an “Iron Fist” campaign to protect key trademark brands and consolidate results of regional public brands. During the campaign, law – enforcement officers inspected tea and potato markets, educated operators and consumers on trademark identification, and guided enterprises to improve IP protection. The administration collaborated with multiple departments to crack down on IP – related illegal activities. Since 2024, Badong has inspected 385 market entities, dispatched 887 officers, and prosecuted 26 IP – related cases with a 100% case – closing rate, showing a “zero – tolerance” attitude towards IP infringement.

Inner Mongolia’s Ordos City Sees Continuous Growth in Valid Trademark Registrations

In the first half of 2025, Ordos City in Inner Mongolia witnessed a continuous increase in the number of valid trademark registrations. The trademark application volume reached 4,472, with 2,003 registrations, and the number of valid trademark registrations was 55,254, a year – on – year increase of 7.47%. All nine districts and banners in the city showed growth in valid trademark registrations.

Regarding patent authorizations, there were 1,658 in the first half of 2025, a 23.63% year – on – year decrease, ranking second in the region. Invention patent authorizations increased by 19.79% year – on – year, while utility model and design patent authorizations decreased. Both service invention and non – service invention authorizations decreased.

Geographically, the top four districts accounted for 67.55% of the total city’s authorizations, and the authorized patents were mainly in operation and transportation.

As of the end of June 2025, the city’s valid invention patents reached 2,128, accounting for 11.89% of the region’s total. Most were service inventions, with enterprises as the main inventors. Dongsheng District and Jungar Banner led in the number of valid invention patents, mainly distributed in chemical and metallurgy, operation and transportation, and physics fields.

Evolution Trends of the Intellectual Property Legal Environment in Hong Kong

This article analyzes the evolution trends of the intellectual property legal environment in Hong Kong. Technological innovation, such as AI and blockchain, is driving significant changes. AI has increased the demand for IP protection and raised copyright questions, leading the Hong Kong SAR government to amend the Copyright Ordinance and assess AI’s long – term impact. Blockchain’s features are being explored for IP protection, with the Intellectual Property Department collaborating internationally for patent and trademark management. Examples of legal evolution include the 2023 Copyright Ordinance revision and the “Patent Box” policy.

In legal reform, for the digital and networked environment, Hong Kong may revise relevant ordinances to protect digital content, clarify rules for AI – generated content, and balance privacy and data sharing. In emerging technology areas, it might set rules for AI and blockchain. Internationally, it could promote the Madrid Protocol and enhance cross – border law enforcement cooperation. These reforms will strengthen IP protection, boost global competitiveness, and contribute to economic development.

WIPO Releases 2025 Global Innovation Index Report

On September 16, 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the “Global Innovation Index 2025” (GII 2025). Switzerland, Sweden, the US, South Korea, and Singapore lead the list, with China ranking among the top ten for the first time. The report notes that the slowdown in innovation investment growth clouds the innovation outlook.

The GII assesses the innovation performance of nearly 140 economies through about 80 indicators. A group of middle – income economies led by China, India, and Turkey have risen in the rankings. 17 low – and middle – income economies outperform their development levels.

In 2024, R & D growth slowed and is expected to decline further in 2025. Corporate R & D expenditure growth also slowed due to inflation. Venture capital rebounded in 2024, but global venture capital transactions decreased for three consecutive years. International patent applications rose slightly, with strong technological progress but slower technology adoption. Different regions show varied innovation trends and rankings.

NSF to Establish National AI Research Resource Operations Center

On September 3, 2025, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a solicitation to establish the National AI Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR – OC), transitioning U.S. national AI research resources from the pilot phase to a sustainable project to boost AI research and global leadership.

Many researchers and educators currently lack AI tools and resources. The 2024 National AI Research Resource Pilot (NAIRR Pilot) used a public – private partnership to build infrastructure, increasing access to resources for innovation and talent development. Supported by federal agencies and private partners, it has served over 400 U.S. research teams.

Building the NAIRR – OC is a strategic investment in U.S. research, in line with the White House’s AI Action Plan. The NSF is seeking proposals for a community – based center to integrate resources, create a portal, and promote collaboration. This solicitation will underpin the NAIRR’s transformation and unleash AI innovation across the U.S.

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.

MeritsIP

MeritsIP