CNIPA Publishes Draft Revision of Integrated Circuit Layout-Design Protection Regulations for Public Comment

Recently, China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has published the Draft Revision of the Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits (Draft for Comments) for public consultation.  

This revision refines the Regulations with a view to adapting the provisions to the rapid development of the integrated circuit industry since their issuance in 2001, and to aligning the provisions with related laws and regulations which have undergone revision. Specifically, the draft revision, among others, states the scope of protection of the exclusive right of integrated circuit layout-design and introduces punitive damages for infringement of the exclusive right, allows the initiation of cancellation procedure upon application, newly provides for the reward and remuneration for service invention, and stipulates intellectual property departments' responsibility in enhancing public service to help foster commercialisation and exploitation of layout-designs.

Interested parties may offer their opinions on the draft revision by the deadline of 9 February 2025 by means of email (tiaofasi@cnipa.gov.cn), fax (010-62083681) or direct mail to the CNIPA attention Division I of Department of Treaty and Law.