Shaanxi strengthens intellectual property protection, officials say

Shaanxi province is building a strong intellectual property hub by strengthening protection and utilization of IP, while providing greater support for innovators, officials said Tuesday.

"Shaanxi has intensified IP protection and optimized IP services over the past few years, unleashing sustained creativity and market vitality across the province," said Shen Liping, head of the provincial IP administration, at a news conference.

As of June, Shaanxi held 125,000 valid invention patents, 879,000 trademarks and 96 geographical indication products, Shen said.

In addition to fighting piracy and improving efficiency in handling IP cases, she said the province has also established work stations in the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan to help domestic entities manage overseas IP affairs.

Wei Chongguang, deputy head of the provincial public security department, said police resolved 1,700 IP infringement cases over the past three years, capturing more than 2,100 suspects.

"We also launched special campaigns to address public concerns on IP issues, such as those involving online privacy and the theft of trade secrets, making every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and enterprises," Wei said.

Yang Zuotao, deputy secretary-general of the Xi'an municipal government, highlighted the importance of IP protection in the city's development, saying various measures and policies have been introduced.

"As a millennium-old capital, Xi'an boasts a rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. It's also a city of innovation, with abundant scientific and educational resources," Yang said. "In promoting the integration of tradition and modernization, IP protection has always been a priority."

He noted that by incorporating elements of Tang and Qin dynasty sculptures and statuettes into toys and cultural products, the city has also strengthened protection of related patents and trademarks, with 244 stations established citywide to offer IP services for innovators.

Shen said Shaanxi will continue leveraging its local characteristics to help build a strong IP power, contributing to China's modernization drive.