In 2011, local courts concluded 58,201 first-instance civil intellectual property cases, more than twice the 2008 figure. The number more than doubled in three years, showing rapid growth in the courts’ IP caseload.
In 2008, local courts nationwide received 24,406 new first-instance civil IP cases and concluded 23,518, increases of 36.52% and 35.2% respectively over the previous year. They concluded 3,326 criminal IP cases. First-instance administrative IP cases received and concluded totalled 1,074 and 1,032 respectively.
In 2009, civil IP cases continued to increase sharply, outpacing the growth in other civil and commercial litigation. Local courts received 30,626 cases and concluded 30,509, increases of 25.49% and 29.73%. They concluded 3,660 criminal IP cases, up 10.04%. Administrative IP cases received and concluded numbered 2,072 and 1,971, up 92.92% and 90.99% respectively.
In 2010, local courts received over 42,900 first-instance civil IP cases and concluded over 41,700, increases of 40.18% and 36.74%. They received 3,992 first-instance criminal IP cases, up 9.58%. Administrative IP cases received and concluded numbered 2,590 and 2,391, up 25% and 21.31%.
In 2011, first-instance civil IP cases received and concluded rose to 59,612 and 58,201, increases of 38.86% and 39.51%. Administrative IP cases received fell 6.06% to 2,433, while those concluded rose 3.30% to 2,470. New first-instance criminal IP cases totalled 5,707, up 42.96%.
