On April 10, 2026, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released the 2026 Intellectual Property Administrative Protection Work Plan (2026年知识产权行政保护工作方案). The Work Plan lists 12 points to accomplish in 2026. Of particular interest to foreigners is CNIPA’s plan to “strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and strictly manage the transfer of intellectual property rights abroad in technology exports in accordance with the law.” This may be in reaction to Meta’s acquisition of Manus, a Singaporean company with Chinese roots. …
Category: New Law, Rule or Implementing Regulation
China’s National Data Administration Issues Draft Guidelines for Data Property Registration (Trial) for Public Comment
On April 3, 2026, China’s National Data Administration (NDA) issued the Draft Guidelines for Data Property Registration (Trial) for Public Comment (数据产权登记工作指引（试行）》（公开征求意见稿）). These draft national Guidelines follow the limited data registration pilots in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. While the Guidelines don’t propose a new enforcement right, registered data certificates may be useful as an intangible asset that can be listed on a corporate balance sheet (thereby increasing valuation) or possible as an asset for securing a loan. Comments are due …
CNIPA Releases the 2026 Legislative Workplan
On March 3, 2026, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released the 2026 Legislative Work Plan of the CNIPA (国家知识产权局2026年立法工作计划). In 2026, CNIPA will concentrate on amending the trademark law, a draft of which was released in December 2025; the regulations for the protection of integrated circuit layout designs, a draft of which was issued in December 2024; the administrative regulations for patent priority examination, a draft of which was released in February 2026; and other legislative projects.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation Releases Regulations on the Protection of Trade Secrets
On February 28, 2026, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Regulations on the Protection of Trade Secrets (商业秘密保护规定). The Regulations provide for an administrative enforcement mechanism for trade secret protection in addition to or in alternative to civil litigation and criminal enforcement. While damages are not available under the Regulations, injunctions and fines of up to 5 million RMB are. The Regulations go into effect June 1, 2026. A translation follows. The original text is available here …