Between November and December 2014, Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou courts specialising in intellectual property law
initiated their activities.
The specialist courts will deliberate on:
- Civil and administrative cases on patents, new plant varieties, semiconductor layout designs, trade secrets, software and technology;
- Administrative cases on copyrights, trademarks and unfair competition; and
- Civil cases on well-known trademarks.
They will act as appeal courts vis-à-vis lower court
decisions and their rulings can be appealed before the High
People's Courts.
Judges will be chosen from among those specialising in intellectual
property law for over six years. They should have a law degree and
should be Senior judges. The court in Beijing will also have
certain 'technology experts', who will help in deciding
technology-based cases; their specific role is, however,
unclear.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
