CNIPA Strengthens Comprehensive Regulation of the IP Agency Industry

Recently, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has issued the Circular on Further Implementing the "Blue Sky" Initiative to Strengthen the Comprehensive Regulation of the Intellectual Property Agency Industry (the "Circular").

The Circular outlines regulatory measures in four key areas: (1) regulating agency practices to maintain industry order; (2) enhancing both supply and demand to improve the quality of IP agency services; (3) improving working mechanisms to establish a sound regulatory system; and (4) strengthening publicity and education to foster a favorable environment. The Circular calls for intensified crackdowns on abnormal patent application practices by agencies, creating a strong deterrent through concentrated enforcement actions. Local IP authorities are required to adopt a combination of targeted measures based on specific circumstances, including key inspections, warning interviews, rectification talks, warnings and fines, credit deductions, and self-disciplinary sanctions. In particularly serious cases, timely reporting to the CNIPA for further handling is mandated. Moreover, the Circular specifies that where illegal gains are substantial, or where agencies engage in abnormal patent applications, deliberately destroy or conceal evidence, or refuse to cooperate with investigations, heavy or maximum penalties shall be imposed in accordance with the law, and agencies that lease or lend their qualifications will also be subject to penalties.



(Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/5/7/art_551_199506.html?xxgkhide=1)

Note: The link to the Chinese official website of the document is for your reference.