Insights

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) released its Global Intellectual Property Protection Index Report (2025) at a regular press conference on 30 October. On the CCPIT's assessment, China scored 81.75, rising from seventh to sixth place and entering the top tier (80 points and above) for the first time. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) republished a China Intellectual Property News report on the release on 4 November.

Scope and new indicators

The CCPIT has run this annual study since 2022.

The UK Intellectual Property Office published a designs costs appeal decision on 2 November (BL O/0958/26, dated 25 October). Its main point is procedural: submissions made in one case do not automatically apply to another case file just because they concern it. To have the same point considered in several cases, a party must seek consolidation or file the submissions in each case.

Background

A company applied to invalidate twelve registered designs; the proprietor did not defend any of them and all were cancelled.

The European Patent Office (EPO) disclosed on 2 November two proposed rule changes to simplify opposition proceedings: notices of opposition would have to be filed on EPO Form 2300, and parties citing patent documents available to the EPO could give the publication number instead of filing copies. The proposals were presented at the 22 October meeting of the SACEPO Working Party on Rules. They still go to the Administrative Council, and if adopted the opposition measures are expected to apply from 1 October 2027.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) updated its service status page on 3 November: since its previous update on 29 October, some customers using the Apply for a patent service have been stuck on a blue screen reading "Your documents are being prepared for submission" when trying to review and submit a request. The office says it is investigating and working on a fix.

Eight-hour outage on 7 November

The UKIPO has also announced that on Saturday 7 November, from 09:00 to 17:00 UK time, customers will be unable to file patent applications or check deposit-account balances.

When a foreign brand finds its trademark being infringed in China, there are three main routes: a complaint to the local market regulator, a civil lawsuit, or a criminal referral to the police. They differ in what they can achieve, how long they take and what evidence they need, and many brands use more than one. This guide compares the three under the current Trademark Law (2019 amendment) and explains how to choose. Article numbers in this guide follow the current law. The revised Trademark Law takes effect on 1 January 2027 and renumbers its articles (see China's Revised Trademark Law (2027): Unused Marks Can Be Cancelled Ex Officio); check the new numbering for anything filed after that date. It sets out general rules; a specific case needs professional advice.

Many foreign brands reach China through the Madrid System: one international application, China ticked as a designated country. Months later, WIPO forwards a provisional refusal from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The refusal affects only China; your other designations are untouched. But if you do not respond in time, the refusal becomes final and you have no protection in China. This guide explains why CNIPA refuses Madrid designations, what the response involves and how to keep the parts that can be saved. It sets out general rules; a specific case needs professional advice.