Chongqing- Intellectual property (IP) calls all sectors of society for joint management. Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality protects intellectual property rights (IPR) to encourage innovation, local authorities reported at a press conference on April 26.  

Last year, China issued a 15-year plan (2021-2035) for the development of intellectual property rights. Li Leiting, Director of Chongqing Municipal Intellectual Property Office, addressed that Chongqing will work on this with two aspects, combining short-term and long-term goals. 

Chongqing Municipal People’s Government held a press conference on Chongqing intellectual property on April 26. (iChongqing/ Chen Zhan)

Based on the plan for Protection and Application of Intellectual Property Rights during the 14th Five-Year Plan Period (2021-2025) issued in Chongqing, the city's IP differentiated development characteristics will be fully reflected in five key areas and ten key projects. 

Meanwhile, the outline draws a blueprint for developing the city's IP in the next 15 years, clearly proposing that Chongqing will be built into a powerful city of IPR with national influence by 2035. 

Data from the press conference shows the steady growth in Chongqing's IP creation in 2021. A total of 9,413 patents were granted, and the number of international patent applications reached 393, going up 8.3% year on year. 

Last year, Chongqing ranked seventh in the country with 183,200 works registered, increasing by 7% year on year.

Chongqing customs 

As the trade between China and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative expands, the number of export goods abroad is continuously on the rise. The national plan pointed out the necessity to protect the intellectual property rights of exported goods.

Chongqing Customs District plays an active role in intellectual property rights to promote innovation and Chongqing's open economy, contributing to the country's opening up pattern. 

Chongqing Customs District officers inspected imported offset printing machines. (Photo/ Chongqing Customs District)

Liu Haoyu, a deputy commissioner of Chongqing Customs District, said that they combined and shared basic data with related departments to analyze situations in key areas and industries, in which the information ranged from commodity categories to trade countries and types. 

This year, the customs in the freight channel will strengthen the control and investigation of infringing goods to North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Infringement to countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative via China Railway Express is another focus of the customs. Monitoring the infringement of high-risk goods exported to major trading countries and regions is also essential, focusing on North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Japan. 

Besides, Chongqing Customs will vigorously support business innovation and rights protection, encouraging original, leading high-tech firms to apply for intellectual property protection in the industry's key technologies and core patents.