China to open 100 centers assisting IPR holders

SIPO has already approved operation of 44 IPR enforcement assistance centers nationwide since the launch of the program in November 2007, revealed by SIPO Deputy Commissioner Zhang Qin in Chongqing at the November 19 roundtable on the subject. The plan is to open a total 100 such centers in the near future.

Zhang lauded the program, calling it conducive to improvement of IPR legal environment, efficient operation of IPR system, easier access for companies, in particular those export-oriented ones to protect their rights and become more competitive.

According to the November 2007 SIPO document regulating the program, Guiding Opinion on Developing Assistance in Enforcing IPRs, any qualifying Chinese citizen, legal person or other organization may request for assistance from a center subject to the prescribed conditions and protocols.