Shanghai's Pudong New District launched an independent intellectual property office on Nov 16 that will combine the management and law enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The office, China's first one of its kind, is set to open on January 1, 2015.

The office will adopt collective Intellectual Property (IP) management, taking over responsibilities for patents, trademarks and copyrights that have been regulated by different government departments in previous years.

Shanghai's Pudong New District launches an independent intellectual property office on Nov 16 that will combine the management and law enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Of the 187 member countries of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), China is one of the few that entrusts IP-related affairs to different government bodies. "It is a breakthrough to establish the independent entity office, greatly enhancing IP rights protection", said Lv Guoqiang, director of Shanghai's Intellectual Property Administration.

Lv added that Pudong is making efforts to offer one-stop services to businesses throughout the district, proving to be a favorable environment for the creation, application and competition of IP rights.

Participants pose for photograph at the celebration of the independent intellectual property office on Nov 16 that will combine the management and law enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In line with the local government's strategy to keep pace with global development, Shanghai will be built into a science and technology center, to promote the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Intellectual Property Hub, attracting advanced innovation resources throughout the globe.

As to the cooperation between the administrative departments and judicial protection systems, Lv concluded by saying that the IP rights protection will become more efficient, and the IP rights holders' benefits will be better protected.