In yet another blow to transparency, China has again started geo-blocking Americans and other foreigners from accessing the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) website. China previously geo-blocked the SPC website in November 2022. Attempting to access this site leads to a 403 Forbidden error message with “reason:GeoBL.” However, the more-limited English version of the SPC’s website remains available, making it appear not to be a technical error. Chinese websites for the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the National People’s Congress, China Judgements Online and …
China’s National Intellectual Property Administration Issues Draft Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products for Comment
On September 18, 2023, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued the Draft Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products for Comment (地理标志产品保护规定（征求意见稿)). The Draft moves the examination and approval process from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to the CNIPA, introduces a good faith requirement and adds a detailed examination process.
China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate Releases the 48th Batch of Guiding Cases Focusing on IP
On September 14, 2023, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) released the 48th batch of guiding cases (关于印发最高人民检察院 第四十八批指导性案例的通知). This batch include 4 cases (Prosecution Cases No. 191-194) with the theme of “Comprehensive Procuratorial Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.” The cases yielded significant prison sentences for copyright infringement and false copyright litigation.
China’s Supreme People’s Court Releases 2023 People’s Courts Typical Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Cases
On September 14, 2023, China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) released the 2023 People’s Courts Typical Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Cases (2023年人民法院反垄断和反不正当竞争典型案例) in conjunction with the 2023 China Fair Competition Policy Publicity Week. A total of 10 typical cases were released this time, including 5 typical anti-monopoly cases and 5 typical anti-unfair competition cases. A translation of the IP-related case case summaries from the SPC follows.