CHINA – Design Patent
07/12/2020
An Amended Chinese Patent Law has been ratified by the National People's Congress on October 17, 2020.In the amended Patent Law, partial design of product is protectable by design patent. This part can be represented on the product in specific lines, distinct from the main product. The new law will come into force from June 1, 2021.
Furthermore, the term of design protection has extended from 10 years to 15 years. This might imply that China is under preparation to join the Hague system, which stipulates a minimum of 15 years protection term for member countries.