China to Set Up Special IP Courts in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed "the Decision on establishment of intellectual property courts in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou". In addition to cases in these cities, the IP courts could conduct cross-regional jurisdiction on IP cases during the forthcoming 3 years.

The courts will focus largely on civil and administrative lawsuits regarding patents, new plant varieties, integrated circuit layout designs and technological knowledge, as well as handle appellate cases regarding copyright and trademark disputes.

Appeals against the verdicts of the IP courts will be heard in local higher people's courts. Presidents, vice presidents and chief judges of these courts will be appointed by local legislatures.

The courts will also establish a professional forensic investigation system to determine technical facts.

(Source: Xinhua)