Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP,
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 Protection of Intellectual Property Rights Network: Liaoning’s IP Development Plan
In 2026, Liaoning Province will develop innovation – driven, brand – driven, and characteristic economies supported by patents, trademarks, and geographical indications respectively. For patents, it aims to empower industrial innovation, promote the pre – application evaluation system, build 40 high – value patent cultivation centers, and reform the rights – empowering of job – related scientific and technological achievements. Regarding trademarks, it will enhance enterprise brand competitiveness, offer precise guidance on trademark registration, support brand cultivation, and optimize the layout of trademark brand guidance stations. In terms of geographical indications, Liaoning will integrate them with characteristic agriculture and cultural tourism, nurture leading enterprises, and encourage eligible enterprises to extend the industrial chain.
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property: A Vegetable Greenhouse with 7 Patents
A newly – built Hainan Typhoon Season Emergency Vegetable Supply Base in Tunchang County, Hainan, features a silver geometric array of greenhouses with 7 utility model patents. The saw – tooth design of the greenhouse solves the heat – accumulation problem in traditional arched greenhouses, and its steel frame and retractable system can withstand typhoons. Before a typhoon, the curtain retracts, letting the wind pass through the frame to prevent collapse; after the typhoon, the curtain is pulled back for replanting.
This greenhouse copes well with Hainan’s high – temperature, high – humidity, and typhoon – prone conditions in summer and autumn. It shortens the growth cycle of leafy vegetables from 45 to 30 days, with an average yield of 1,500 – 2,000 catties per mu. During the typhoon – prone season, 15 types of fast – growing, storable vegetables are planted to ensure local supply when the Qiongzhou Strait is closed, serving as a reliable guarantee for people’s “vegetable baskets”.
China Leads in Patent Applications Globally for Years
According to CNIPA data, China is the world’s first country with over 5 million domestic valid invention patents (5.32 million). During the 14th Five – Year Plan, the number of such patents has been rising, with 16 high – value ones per 10,000 people. China’s invention patent application volume has ranked first globally for many years.
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, intellectual property protection has been emphasized, leading to a unique Chinese path. It took 31 years to reach 1 million domestic valid invention patents and about 19 months for the fifth million.
Patent creation supports China’s high – level scientific and technological self – reliance. By 2025, 2.292 million high – value domestic invention patents were held, 70% in strategic emerging industries. China holds a large share of global AI and robot – related patents and leads in PCT international patent applications for green – low – carbon technologies.
The intensity of patent protection and transformation efficiency have improved. The average examination cycle of invention patents is 15 months, the fastest internationally. Since the 14th Five – Year Plan, banks have issued over 900 billion yuan in intellectual property – pledged loans.
As of January 2026, foreign applicants have over 922,000 valid invention patents in China, showing their confidence. China is moving from an IP giant to a strong power.
China Protects Intellectual Property Rights Network: Xi’an Activates “Sleeping Patents” for Innovation
The Shaanxi Provincial Intellectual Property Office announced the second – batch of excellent patent industrialization cases in 2025, with Xi’an’s policy on improving patent transformation efficiency selected. Since 2025, the Xi’an Market Supervision and Administration Bureau has formulated policies for a policy closed – loop.
Xi’an has promoted the revitalization of university and research – institute patents. Over 80,000 convertible stock patents are registered (93% registration rate). In 2025, there were 13,800 patent transactions, and many new enterprises and products were registered. It rewards enterprises absorbing university patent technologies.
Xi’an has increased support for intellectual property financing. The first “dual – labeled” intellectual property ABS in central and western China was issued, and the city’s intellectual property pledge financing reached 4.112 billion yuan, benefiting over 600 enterprises.
According to the “2025 Global Innovation Index Report”, Xi’an’s innovation cluster ranks 29th globally and 8th in China. It also won many patent – competition awards. The deputy director said they’ll continue building a national intellectual property “dual – demonstration” city.
Last Year, Jiangsu Ranked Second in China in Invention Patent Grants
Recently, the Intellectual Property Protection Center of Jiangsu Province revealed that in 2025, Jiangsu granted 116,900 invention patents, ranking second nationally, with a 12.95% share of the national total. Enterprises were the major recipients, getting 86,300 patents (73.79% of the provincial total), highlighting their role as innovation leaders. Colleges and universities and research institutions contributed 25,300 and 3,300 authorized patents respectively, making up 21.66% and 2.83% of the provincial total, and serving as important forces in basic research and cutting – edge technology exploration.
The technical fields of the authorized patents show the province’s “scientific and technological innovation empowering industrial development” feature. Six fields, like computer technology, motors, and electrical devices, accounted for over 50% of the total. These are key areas for national patent grants and core sectors of Jiangsu’s high – end manufacturing and green – low – carbon industries. The patent layout in computer technology promotes the integration of AI and big data with the real economy. Patents in motors and electrical devices support new energy and high – end equipment, while those in chemical engineering back biomedicine and new materials, enhancing the province’s industrial competitiveness.
China Protects Intellectual Property Network: Jinzhou Petrochemical Gets First Needle Coke Patent
On February 20, it was reported that Jinzhou Petrochemical Research Institute’s patent for “A Production Process for Improving the Performance of Needle Coke” was officially authorized by the CNIPA before the Spring Festival. This is the company’s first patent in the needle coke field.
The authorized patent addresses key industry issues like insufficient performance stability and difficult quality improvement in needle coke production. It presents a technical approach of optimizing modified raw materials and adjusting process control parameters. After laboratory and multiple pilot tests, the process can enhance the crystallinity and oxidation resistance of needle coke, reduce the thermal expansion coefficient, and strengthen the mechanical compressive strength, achieving stable control of product performance to meet strict requirements in fields such as ultra – high power graphite electrodes and lithium – ion battery anodes. With strong operability and wide adaptability, the process is ready for industrial application.
Sino-Austrian Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot Project Extended
According to the joint decision of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Austrian Patent Office, the Sino – Austrian Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot project will be extended for five years, from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031. The requirements and procedures for submitting PPH requests at the two offices remain unchanged. PPH is a fast – track patent review channel between different countries or regions, facilitating the patent review process via work sharing among patent review agencies. Since the first PPH pilot launched in November 2011, the CNIPA has established PPH cooperation with patent review agencies in 35 countries or regions, covering 86 countries.
Spain’s Supreme Court: Trademark Disputes Require Prior Administrative Procedures, Otherwise Lose Right to Judicial Litigation
On January 27, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a final judgment in the “BETTER NAKED” trademark registration dispute, rejecting Mr. Enrique’s judicial challenge. It ruled that in Spanish trademark – related disputes, parties must first undergo administrative procedures at the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) to gain the right to subsequent judicial litigation. Those skipping administrative procedures cannot directly sue.
The dispute stemmed from Peeptoes Comunicación S.L.’s trademark application. BETTER NAKED Ltd. objected during the OEPM’s review, but the registration was approved in 2023. Mr. Enrique, a shareholder of BETTER NAKED Ltd., directly appealed to the High Court of Madrid. The first – instance court rejected his claim due to his non – participation in administrative procedures. He then appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing about third – party litigation rights.
The Supreme Court held that only parties participating in administrative procedures and whose claims are not supported can initiate judicial challenges. It prohibits “leap – frog litigation.” Finally, the court rejected Mr. Enrique’s appeal, made him bear costs, and confiscated the deposit. This case warns Chinese enterprises in Spain to fully participate in OEPM’s administrative procedures to avoid lawsuit risks.
Shanghai Mihoyo Sues a Game Information Discloser in the US for Trade Secret and Copyright Infringement
On February 5, Cognosphere Pte.Ltd., a Singaporean subsidiary of Shanghai Mihoyo, filed a lawsuit in the US for trade secret and copyright infringement. The defendant, Jianuo Zhou (aka “Nicole the Maiden”), runs the “Yuheng Cup Database” website. The plaintiff claims Zhou cracked and stole internal data and codes of “Genshin Impact” and “Honkai: Star Rail”, then published unpublished game info and analysis, and leaked new – version content. Zhou also induced test – server players to break confidentiality agreements. After multiple warnings, the plaintiff asks the court for an injunction, compensation for losses, and for the defendant to bear litigation costs.
Insta360 Wins 337 Investigation Against GoPro
On February 27, Insta360 announced that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld its initial ruling, dismissing all six patent – infringement claims brought by GoPro. The investigation, which started in March 2024, ended in Insta360’s complete victory.
Insta360 said the 337 investigation didn’t impact its production and operations. It could keep importing and selling products in the U.S. unrestricted. During the investigation, its business grew strongly, with 2025 revenue hitting 9.858 billion yuan, a 76.85% year – on – year increase.
The 337 investigation is a trade – relief procedure for the ITC to review IP infringement of imported products. GoPro’s patent attack on Insta360 was a market – competition move. The ITC ruled that five of the six patents were non – infringing or invalid, and the remaining appearance – patent design also didn’t infringe.
Insta360 founder Liu Jingkang said the ITC’s decision affirmed the company’s innovation. The company spent over $10 million on the lawsuit. Insta360’s success is due to its quality products and China’s leading supply chain. During the investigation, it expanded the market and increased R & D, launching new products in 2025. Meanwhile, GoPro faced a development dilemma, with its market value evaporating by 98% and global market share dropping from over 75% to under 20%.
First Instance Defeat: Huadong Medicine Appeals Against Zuoli Pharmaceutical, Case Accepted by the Supreme Court
After losing the first – instance lawsuit, Huadong Medicine has appealed to the Supreme People’s Court, which has accepted the case but not set a hearing date. The case concerns a jointly – owned patent by Sino – American Huadong and Zhejiang University of Technology. Huadong accuses Zhufeng (controlled by Zuoli) of using the patented elements in its Bailing tablets. Zuoli claims it did due diligence and Zhufeng’s production and sales are compliant. Huadong demands the defendant stop production and sales and pay about 110 million yuan in compensation. In December 2023, Huadong’s lawsuit was dismissed by the Zhejiang High – level People’s Court. In January 2024, Zuoli got the “Drug Registration Certificate” for Bailing capsules, increasing competition. Huadong’s Bailing capsule was a major product in 2019. Zuoli’s acquisition of an 81% stake in Zhufeng changed the market. Huadong’s reaction is reasonable as Bailing capsule is crucial after drug procurement affected its other core products. In 2019, Huadong’s plan to acquire Zuoli failed due to Bailing product line competition.
Assignee Sues Unitree for 80 Million Yuan Five Days After Patent Transfer? Supreme People’s Court Criticizes Plaintiff Lumei for “Calculated and Capricious” Behavior
In February 2026, the Supreme People’s Court criticized plaintiff Lumei in a final judgment on an “electronic dog” patent – infringement case, saying its actions were “calculated and capricious”. In 2025, Lumei sued Unitree in the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court, alleging that Unitree’s “Gox” robot dog infringed its patent. Lumei initially claimed 500 yuan in compensation, with potential punitive damages over 70 million. Unitree denied infringement. The Hangzhou court ruled in September 2025 that there was no infringement. Lumei appealed, temporarily increasing the claim to 80 million then reducing it back to 500 yuan. The court found Lumei acquired the patent on June 25, 2025, and sued just five days later without relevant business. On February 3, 2026, the Supreme People’s Court rejected the appeal and upheld the original verdict. Lawyers suggest refining regulations to counteract abuse of patent litigation rights, highlighting the importance of good faith in patent litigation.
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
In recent days, the Market Supervision Bureau of Yuanzuo Banner in Inner Mongolia launched a special rectification campaign against trademark infringement in the liquor industry. Focusing on public concerns and the market situation, it strengthened efforts to tackle illegal trademark use. Law enforcement officers inspected liquor – specialized and -兼营 stores, checking product packaging, anti – counterfeiting marks, etc. They investigated issues like trademark infringement and the sale of products with improper words or unregistered trademarks, aiming to regulate the market and protect rights. During the inspection, officers explained relevant laws to operators via typical cases, enhancing their legal awareness. So far, 16 business entities have been inspected. The bureau will continue to strengthen supervision, conduct regular anti – counterfeiting campaigns, and create a trustworthy and safe consumption environment.
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property Rights Network
The Anqing Trademark Business Window in Anhui was commended by the Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration as one of the 51 outstanding trademark business acceptance windows nationwide. Since its official operation in March 2017, it has focused on business environment requirements and market entities’ needs, promoting trademark application facilitation reform to support regional economic development. It established a full – process closed – loop service model, improving the approval rate and service convenience. It also advanced trademark pledge registration services to solve SMEs’ financing problems. In 2025, Anqing had 13,629 trademark applications and 12,253 registrations. By the end of 2025, it cultivated many well – known and geographical indication trademarks, with 109,929 valid registrations, ranking high in the province. The Anqing Market Supervision Administration plans to strengthen the window and promote more “Anqing products” to become “Anqing famous brands”.
China’s Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
On February 11, the Tangshan Market Supervision and Administration Bureau (Intellectual Property Office) in Hebei released the “First Batch of Key Trademark Protection List in Tangshan City” to strengthen trademark right protection and enhance intellectual property protection. The list contains 30 key trademarks in industries like new energy and food processing, showing Tangshan’s industrial diversification and its transformation from “Tangshan Manufacturing” to “Tangshan Brand”.
The trademarks on the list have two features: high popularity, with 20 well – known trademarks selected; and clear industrial orientation, following the regional key industrial layout. The bureau will take measures like “key protection, rapid response, and joint punishment” to combat infringement and improve efficiency. The list will be adjusted annually according to brand influence and infringement risk to guide grass – roots work and improve trademark protection in the city.
Trademark Alert | Chinese Enterprises’ Trademarks Suspected of Being Preemptively Registered in Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States
According to the Nanning Intellectual Property Protection Center, entities in Thailand, Vietnam, and the US have applied to register trademarks similar to the English logo “CHICTEA” of Nanning Chali Prince Catering Co., Ltd. The company hasn’t registered the involved logo, while similar trademarks are already registered by other domestic enterprises, bringing rights risks at home and abroad.
The article offers risk – handling strategies. First, trace and preserve evidence of logo use via blockchain or local notaries. Second, for domestic rights, decide on logo use and consider opposition, invalidation, or acquisition. Third, for overseas risks, take different actions in each country. In Vietnam, initiate invalidation or opposition; in the US, file prior rights and check invalidation reasons; in Thailand, submit a prior rights statement. Enterprises can also apply for overseas IP monitoring and early – warning at the Nanning center.
US Supreme Court to Clarify Liability Boundaries for Inducing Patent Infringement
The US Supreme Court will hear a patent infringement liability dispute. The Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. v. Amarin Pharma Inc. case focuses on liability for generic drug manufacturers inducing infringement. The Court has granted certiorari on two questions. One is whether a generic drug manufacturer can promote its product as a “generic” of brand – name drugs with specific uses under patent. The other is if a patent – holder’s claim of inducing infringement can be established without accusing the inducer of instructing the patented use. The Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Hikma might be liable. The Supreme Court will consider factors like free speech, patent – holder rights, and the Hatch – Waxman Act. Oral arguments are not scheduled, and the case is expected to be heard in spring 2026, with a ruling before end – June.
Vietnam’s Revised Intellectual Property Law: Shortening Litigation Time, Strengthening Law Enforcement, and Enhancing Commercialization
Vietnam’s revised Intellectual Property Law will take effect in April 2026. It views intellectual property as a commercial asset for evaluation, trading, and collateral. The revision offers a faster registration process, cutting review time for trademarks and industrial designs. Digital law – enforcement is strengthened, with courts empowered to remove online infringing content and statutory compensation doubled. The main changes cover general provisions (defining IP as a financeable asset), copyright (excluding certain elements from protection), trademarks (clearer power – of – attorney format), industrial designs (extending protection scope and clarifying novelty), and law enforcement (strengthening provider responsibilities and increasing compensation). The revised law signals a move towards a more efficient IP system.
European Patent Office and Australian Intellectual Property Office to Launch PCT Pilot Program
The European Patent Office (EPO) Director António Campinos and IP Australia Director Michael Schwager jointly announced a two – year PCT pilot program starting on March 1, 2026. Australian applicants can designate the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The program is open to applicants submitting international applications to IP Australia or the World Intellectual Property Organization’s International Bureau. Campinos called it an important milestone in cooperation with IP Australia, and the EPO is honored to serve Australian applicants. Schwager said Australia’s IP system is vital for the economy, and the pilot program offers more options for Australian customers to protect inventions.
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