Shanghai's efforts to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection have garnered trust from foreign enterprises, marking a pivotal factor in evaluating its business environment.

In the past three years, Shanghai has intensified actions to safeguard IP rights for foreign companies. More than 60 administrative rulings on foreign-related patent disputes and over 1,000 trademark infringement cases have been resolved, underscoring Shanghai's commitment to creating a fair business environment. 

Recent announcements by Europeans unveiled their intentions to increase investment in Shanghai, highlighting growing confidence in the Chinese market. Bayer Consumer Health plans to invest 20 million euros ($21.4 million) into the China Collaboration Innovation Center project in Shanghai this year.

A recent landmark case, in which Shanghai's Third Intermediate People's Court imposed a 600 million yuan ($82.57 million) fine on a company for infringing Lego's toy copyrights, accurately reflects Shanghai's rigorous IP protection measures. Robin Smith, Lego Group's vice-president and general counsel for China & Asia Pacific, acknowledged Shanghai's efforts in enhancing IP protection.

Shanghai welcomed 1,851 new foreign-invested enterprises from January to April this year. The city's future plans include enhancing IP services tailored to the needs of foreign enterprises, including streamlined dispute resolution systems and comprehensive support structures.

Source: cctv.com