On Jan 12, the State Council issued a circular concerning a reform plan to improve intellectual property rights management and promote the nation’s innovative capabilities.

The plan decided to set out one-year trials of intellectual property rights management in regions jointly selected by departments including the State Intellectual Property Office, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

The tests will be carried out in regions that are pioneers in intellectual property rights applications and enforcement, or national innovation demonstration zones.

According to the plan, efforts will be made to build a comprehensive management system of intellectual property rights, with an effort to better serve the public and promote innovation-driven development.

The trials would be further extended after a joint review by the same departments that selected the test regions.