China patent law change helps local innovation

The sixth session of 11th National People's Congress Standing Committee has approved, by 154 votes in favor and four abstentions, to amend  China's Patent Law to encourage local R&D. Under the latest revision of  the legislation, originally adopted in 1985, applications will be  allowed to be filed outside China before being made domestically,  although there is a requirement for scrutiny by a government agency to  determine if a national security restriction should be imposed.

Chen Guangjun, a spokesman for the NPC's Education, Science, Culture and  Health Committee, told reporters that the changes will improve China's  international competitiveness. The new policy means that firms  conducting R&D in China will find it easier to obtain intellectual  property protection worldwide. Filings increased over 32% in 2006.