China Strengthens Intellectual Property Safeguards: New Trademark Law Draft targets Infringements and Bad Faith Filings

Chinese lawmakers have commenced the first reading of a revised Trademark Law draft, designed to overhaul the registration, management, and protection systems. The draft, comprising 84 articles across nine chapters, was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to escalate the fight against trademark violations and streamline regulatory practices.

Shen Changyu, head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, emphasized that the draft adopts a "problem-oriented" approach. A key provision stipulates that trademark applications significantly exceeding actual production or business operational needs will be rejected, curbing speculative filings. Furthermore, the draft enhances protection for well-known trademarks and introduces stricter regulations for trademark agencies, ensuring higher professional standards and legal compliance across the industry.