Pudong New Area in East China's Shanghai implements new regulations to strengthen intellectual property protection. [Photo/sipa photo]

Pudong New Area in East China's Shanghai implemented new regulations on Dec 1 to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection and provide a sound business environment for investors.

A slew of innovative measures were rolled out to deepen the reform of IPR protection mechanisms and systems and improve the legal framework of IP protection, in an effort to provide rule-of-law safeguards for IP protection in Pudong and boost fair competition.

Pudong will conduct cutting-edge trials and experiments in IPR protection in line with world-class standards. The area will undertake pilot reforms carried out by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, such as the law on geographical indications. More attention will also be given to improving the technical investigation system and strengthening IPR protection in Pudong's key industries.

In light of the high technical requirements for IP cases, experts will be selected as a "people's assessor". The Shanghai government will also give support to Pudong's courts in conducting new trail patterns to improve work efficiency. Procuratorates in the area will also be encouraged to expand the coverage of public interest litigation related to geographical indications, collective marks, and pharmaceutical patents.

The Shanghai government will also conduct pioneering trials and experiments in the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. A comprehensive service window for intellectual property was set up in Lin-gang, and a wide range of innovative services have been expanded since its establishment last December, ensuring convenient and efficient IP public services for market entities.