Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 01 APRIL 2026

Unlocking China's New SEP Guidelines: Strategic Insights For Global Innovators

Chang Tsi & Partners
Chang Tsi & Partners
Contributor
Chang Tsi & Partners

Chang Tsi & Partners

Chang Tsi & Partners is a "National Outstanding Law Firm (nominated by Ministry of Justice of...

View firm profile
Explore more from Chang Tsi & Partners

In March 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued the Guidelines for Patent Applications Involving Standards (Guidelines)...

ChinaIntellectual Property
Irene Wang
Irene Wang

In March 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued the Guidelines for Patent Applications Involving Standards (Guidelines), marking the first comprehensive framework for standard-related patent applications in China. This document aims to assist applicants in drafting patent applications that align with China's legal requirements while facilitating integration with international standards. For global innovators and enterprises, understanding this new directive is essential to stay competitive in industries where Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) play a critical role.

Why SEPs Matter

SEPs are patents indispensable for implementing specific standards. Their economic value exceeds regular patents because they derive significance from the widespread adoption of the standards they support. Industries like telecommunications and semiconductors rely heavily on SEPs as strategic assets. The Guidelines align with China's broader policy goals, including

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

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.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

China's Supreme Court Issues Landmark Judicial Rules On AI: Implications For Product Liability, IP, Data, And Generative AI

China's Supreme People's Court has issued comprehensive judicial rules addressing artificial intelligence disputes, establishing frameworks for product liability, intellectual property rights, and data protection. These landmark opinions provide critical guidance for global companies navigating AI-related legal risks in China's evolving regulatory landscape.
ChinaIntellectual Property
Jones Day
Jones Day
Article

China’s Utility Model Patent: A Unique Engine Of Innovation And Economic Growth

China's utility model patent system has propelled the nation to account for 96.7% of global filings in 2024, with 3.2 million applications compared to negligible numbers in Europe and none in the United States. This institutional innovation, designed specifically for incremental innovations and product improvements, has become a cornerstone of China's manufacturing transformation and technological advancement.
ChinaIntellectual Property
Chang Tsi & Partners
Chang Tsi & Partners