On 28 August 2018, SIPO changed its English name to CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Association). Its new domain name, www.cnipa.gov.cn, was launched on 30 August 2018. These changes reflect recent organisational reforms with respect to the national intellectual property administration, which were passed through NPC session in March 2018.
CNIPA, subordinating to State Administration for Market Regulation, incorporates part of functions of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, to solve problems, including separated administration and overlapping enforcement, and to improve the intellectual property management system.
The new CNIPA is responsible for protecting IPR, the construction of the system, and the registration and administrative adjudication of trademarks, patents and geographical indications, as well as guidance of law enforcement work of trademarks and patents. It also strengthens the functional transformation; including shortening the time for intellectual property registration, and improving the quality and efficiency of examination; strengthening supervision over trademark squatting and abnormal patent application; and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of IPR rights holders.
