During the 14th Five-year Plan period (2021-2025), China has strengthened the protection of foreign-related intellectual property (IP) rights for both foreign-funded enterprises in China and Chinese enterprises expanding overseas.

Hu Wenhui, deputy commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. He said that both of the two aspects are vital for foreign-related IP rights protection.

On July 17, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press conference in Beijing on China's achievements regarding intellectual property rights during the 14th Five-year Plan period. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]

In terms of protecting IPs of foreign-funded enterprises, China has proactively advanced the rule of law to foster a predictable environment for innovation, he said. China has joined almost all major international IP treaties, in addition to actively improving domestic IP laws and regulations, including amending the patent law and establishing a punitive compensation system that meets the highest global standards.

To optimize its IP rights protection mechanisms and foster a fair and equitable market environment, China has consistently enhanced the quality and efficiency of patent and trademark examinations, and established 128 national-level IP protection centers. Over 8,000 foreign-funded enterprises and joint ventures are registered at these centers, enjoying the same professional services and preferential policies as domestic enterprises.

In addition, China has conducted regular communications with foreign-funded enterprises, received their feedbacks, addressed their concerns, and provided tailor-made services on IP protection, Hu said. 

Regarding the IP protection for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas, China has improved its foreign-related IP legal framework, he said. In professional services, China has strengthened risk alerts and response guidance for companies. By the end of 2024, a cumulative total of 2,393 advisory sessions and 6,885 consultation services had been provided to enterprises, helping them reduce litigation costs by 1.32 billion yuan (US$184.8 million) and recover economic losses of 38.04 billion yuan.

Meanwhile, China has intensified efforts to cultivate foreign-related IP legal professionals. The country has also assembled a reference compilation of 1,339 IP laws, regulations, and treaties drawn from 189 countries and regions, while publishing 16 country-specific IP guides for key jurisdictions and a cross-border e-commerce IP protection guide, thereby increasing information accessibility, Hu said.