China Patent System Embraces Innovation

Intellectual property law in China has steadily improved in recent years, and there has been a considerable increase in the number of patents filed in China. This article is a Q&A with Finnegan partner Ningling Wang: Ms. Wang, whose practice involves several areas, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices, and nanotechnology, discusses the evolving climate for intellectual property and patents in China. Ms. Wang has extensive experience working with multinational big-pharma companies and domestic organizations in China. During the interview, Ms. Wang answers questions about how much the patent climate has improved in China in recent years (a lot); whether patent activity has increased (domestic China patent applications filed by foreign companies has greatly increased); and whether the Chinese government is good about encouraging companies to come in and conduct innovative research (yes). Ms. Wang concludes, however, that the growing system in China and the legal framework for venture capital arrangements still involve uncertainties.