Patent Criminal Enforcement in the People's Republic of China

Broadly speaking, patent enforcement in the People's Republic of China refers to various methods and procedures by which law can be implemented and rights can be protected. Patent(1) owners seek legal protection mainly through such means as negotiation with other parties directly or through a third party, as well as through judicial procedures. In most situations patent disputes are resolved privately. Even for those cases that enter judicial procedure, the majority of parties seeking redress request only civil relief, while only a few defendants are actually prosecuted under criminal litigation.(2)