IPR Court

The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) started to hear intellectual property rights (IPR) appeals that require more expertise starting on January 1.

As a permanent division under the SPC, the new IPR court will be made up of four departments, said Luo Dongchuan, Vice President of the SPC and the IPR court chief, at a press conference announcing the measure.

IPR cases refer to a broad range of lawsuits involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, new plant varieties, integrated circuit layout design and monopoly.

IPR cases are complex and expertise is needed for their trials. IPR court will help prevent inconsistencies in legal application and improve the quality and efficiency of trials, Luo said.

The IPR court will also help nur- ture a favorable legal environment for technological innovation and a better business environment for domestic and international enterprises, he said.

According to the regulation, the IPR court will also conduct trial proceedings online, such as exchanging evidence or hosting pre-trial conferences.

Chinese courts heard 213,480 IPR cases in 2017, 40.4 percent more than in 2016, and double the number of those heard in 2013. better implement supporting policies including free education and training.

The ministry will also improve vocational education for veterans to enhance their employability with more job-oriented and specific training programs.

The ministry will cooperate with both state-owned and private companies, organize regional job fairs for veterans and set up information platforms to share job posts.

For veterans who want to start businesses, the ministry will help with tax cuts, setting up investment funds and providing professional guidance.

Veterans can also enjoy preferential policies in pensions, medical services, housing, transport and their children’s education.

The benefits will be divided into different levels based on the veterans’ contribution while in service, the ministry said, calling on