1. Substantial growth in new cases
In 2011, Chinese courts accepted 59,612 new first-instance intellectual property civil cases and concluded 58,201, up 38.86% and 39.51% from 42,931 and 41,718 respectively in 2010. Courts also strengthened criminal protection and participated in the campaign against intellectual property infringement and counterfeit or substandard products. New first-instance intellectual property criminal cases reached 5,707, up 42.96%.
2. More major, difficult and novel cases
A growing proportion of cases involved foreign parties and attracted international attention. More cases required courts to define the boundaries of broadly worded legal provisions or involved judgments with a substantial effect on the parties’ interests.
3. Continuing growth in patent disputes
Courts accepted 7,819 new patent disputes in 2011, up 35.16%. Cases involving high technology, particularly pharmaceuticals, communications and environmental protection, increased notably. Adjudication became more difficult, and judgments had a greater impact on entire industries.
4. Increasing disputes over commercial signs
Cases concerning commercial signs grew rapidly. Trademark grant and validity disputes increased, as did infringement cases intertwined with proceedings concerning the grant or validity of trademark rights. Courts accepted 12,991 new trademark cases in 2011, up 53.56%.
5. Sustained high growth in copyright cases
Courts accepted 35,185 new copyright cases in 2011, up 42.34%. With the rapid growth of the internet industry, online disputes accounted for an increasing share of intellectual property cases. Their closer connection to everyday life attracted wider public attention. Report dated April 25, 2012.
Source: http://www.sipo.gov.cn/mtjj/2012/201204/t20120425_679056.html