07 April 2026
China has taken significant steps to strengthen its intellectual property (IP) protection system, introducing specialised courts in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. With China leading the world in patent filings, foreign businesses operating in this competitive market must understand how IP disputes are handled and whether they can effectively enforce their rights.
The Growth of IP Disputes in China
The number of IP cases in China has surged in recent years. The Beijing IP Court has processed over 50,000 cases in the past decade, with an annual growth rate of 11.6%. Meanwhile, China’s Supreme Court IP Division, established in 2019, has handled over 20,000 cases, demonstrating the country’s commitment to robust IP enforcement.
IP Disputes Involving Foreign Companies
Foreign businesses are playing an increasing role in Chinese IP litigation. Foreign-related cases account for around 10% of Supreme Court IP cases, with a strong annual growth rate of 28.6%. Notably, about one-third of all invention patent disputes involve foreign entities.
Are Foreign Companies Treated Fairly in China’s IP System?
One of the key concerns for foreign companies is whether they receive fair treatment in China’s legal system. Data from the Beijing IP Court suggests that foreign plaintiffs win approximately 68% of their IP disputes, while another study found a success rate of 77% for foreign companies suing domestic Chinese firms. These statistics highlight China’s commitment to handling IP disputes with impartiality.
Major IP Cases Involving Foreign Companies
Several high-profile cases demonstrate how foreign businesses have successfully enforced their IP rights in China:
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Bayer vs. Shenzhen Ante High-Tech: Bayer secured a record 24.3 million RMB settlement in a life sciences patent dispute.
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Synthes GmbH vs. Double Medical: The Swiss company won over 20 million RMB in a patent infringement case.
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Dyson vs. Dreame: The Supreme Court facilitated a strategic settlement between the two appliance manufacturers after multiple IP disputes.
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ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB: The Swedish firm successfully defended its patent rights, with the Supreme Court reversing an earlier invalidation decision.
How to Protect Your IP in China
China’s evolving IP enforcement system provides increasing confidence for foreign businesses. If your company operates in China, securing strong IP protection is essential. Our team specialises in navigating China’s IP landscape and can help you safeguard your patents and trade marks. Get in touch to learn how we can assist with enforcing your IP rights in this critical market.
