Chinese courts have significantly increased their focus on administrative cases related to intellectual property (IP) and environmental protection in recent years, aligning with the country’s innovation-driven development strategy.

According to data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), between 2016 and September 2024, courts across the country handled over 2.42 million administrative cases, issuing eight judicial interpretations to improve case outcomes and ensure that government agencies effectively fulfill their responsibilities.

Of these cases, 138,000 were related to intellectual property, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 20.3%. This data, presented to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, underscores the growing emphasis on protecting IP rights under the rule of law.

Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People's Court, emphasized that strengthening IP protections is essential for fostering innovation. He noted that courts have expanded collaboration with government departments in the IP sector, particularly in agriculture and anti-monopoly areas, to develop judicial and administrative measures that safeguard IP rights in the seed industry and address issues related to competition restrictions.

The report also detailed the judiciary's contributions to environmental protection, noting that 118,000 administrative cases in this field were processed during the same period, with an annual growth rate of 14.9%. These efforts aim to support China's transition toward sustainability and modernization.

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Rachel LI, GUOFUWENJIA LAW/ S&O IP China, Senior Associate