The document summarizes a presentation by Michael Lin on patent enforcement in China. It discusses that China has a civil law system with non-binding precedents and inconsistent court rulings. It outlines that the patent office and customs office can administratively enforce patents through investigations, seizures and fines. However, customs enforcement depends on the information provided and often requires following up in court. It also notes issues with arbitration in China through CIETAC, recommending designating cases in Beijing for now.

1. Patent Enforcement in China
Michael Lin, Partner
Marks&Clerk Hong Kong
Patexia Webinar
July 11, 2013
10:30 AM PDT

2. © 2013 Copyright Michael Lin, all rights reserved.
Michael Lin
• ABC (American Born Chinese)
• University of California at Berkeley -
Biochemistry
• Really, really terrible scientist
• PhD in Genetics
• Boston University Law School
• Ohio Bar (1996); USPTO Bar (1997); no CN Bar
• P&G Patent Attorney, Kobe Japan (10 y)
• P&G Patent Attorney, China (3.5 y)
• Marks&Clerk Hong Kong (2.5 y)

3. © 2013 Copyright Michael Lin, all rights reserved.
China Law Intro
• Civil (Roman) Law – Very detailed
• Non-binding precedents
• Supreme People’s Court Interpretations
• Only 1 guaranteed appeal, review = de novo
• No Federal Rules of Evidence
• No Juries
• Inconsistent rulings; favoritism; political
meddling

4. © 2013 Copyright Michael Lin, all rights reserved.
Patent Office Administrative
Enforcement
Local Patent Offices (2013 rules):
• Investigations
• Seizures
• Fines
• Administrative punishments

5. © 2013 Copyright Michael Lin, all rights reserved.
Customs Office Administrative
Enforcement
• Register IP in Customs
• Customs = reactive, not proactive
• Visit & educate Customs
• Effectiveness depends on info provided
• Follow up in court

6. © 2013 Copyright Michael Lin, all rights reserved.
Arbitration in China
• CIETAC (China International Economic and
Trade Arbitration Commission): http://
www.cietac.org/index.cms
• In 2011-12, Shenzhen and Shanghai offices
“disavowed” by Beijing
• Court recently refused to enforce Shanghai
CIETAC arbitration.
• Net: designate Beijing Branch for now

7. Michael LinMichael Lin
Marks&Clerk Hong KongMarks&Clerk Hong Kong
@Cyberport@Cyberport @HK Science Park@HK Science Park
Level 9, Cyberport 1Level 9, Cyberport 1 Unit 516, 5/F, Enterprise PlaceUnit 516, 5/F, Enterprise Place
100 Cyberport Road100 Cyberport Road 5 Science Park West Ave.5 Science Park West Ave.
Pok Fu Lam, Hong KongPok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Shatin, New Territories,Shatin, New Territories,
Hong KongHong Kong
MLin@marks-clerk.comMLin@marks-clerk.com
©© Copyright Marks&Clerk Hong Kong 2013Copyright Marks&Clerk Hong Kong 2013
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