Shanghai plans to deepen its reform of intellectual property rights protection to become an IP hubfor the Asia-Pacific region, according to a guidance recently released by the municipal government.

Shanghai customs officials seize 120,000 counterfeit 3M face masks in December 2015. Chen Ding / For China Daily

The document calls for strengthened intellectual property application and protection to support the city's planned role as a global science and technology hub. It aims to attract high-end personnel and complete its protection mechanism and service system.

The guidance includes 12 specific measures, such as strict judicial protection, strengthened administrative law enforcement, improved dispute mediation mechanism, an advanced IP service industry and IP personnel development.

In addition to promoting the comprehensive reform of regional IP protection, Shanghai aims to establish an IP trading center this year to promote IP creation and industrialization, said Lyu Guoqiang, head of the Shanghai intellectual property office.

Other work focuses this year will include the establishment of a comprehensive service platform that integrates patents, trademarks and copyright public information.

A quick response mechanism for IP infringement will be set up to help create a better IP environment, Lyu said.

From 2011 to 2015, Shanghai police investigated 9,555 cases involving IP infringements. Of those, 7,882 cases were resolved with 14,515 suspects apprehended.

In one of those cases, local police raided a group selling fake Louis Vuitton products overseas online for a value of more than 70 million yuan ($10.75 million). Twenty-five suspects were arrested.

Lyu said the office would intensify efforts against IP infringements, especially those involving online trading platforms.

In addition, it would also pay special attention to the Disney brand and launch joint Disney brand protection with other departments, as a Disneyland property is scheduled to open in Shanghai in June.