China is set to expand its network of fast-track intellectual property rights (IPR) protection centers with the approval of a new national-level center in Shenzhen’s Futian district. This move aims to bolster innovation and protect design patents in the city’s thriving fashion industry.
The Futian district, a central business area in Shenzhen, is home to over 2,000 fashion enterprises and boasts an industrial cluster valued at 120 billion yuan (approximately $16.6 billion). The new IPR center will offer expedited services for design patent applications, reducing the processing time from the usual six months down to within three months.
“The fast-track services will provide timely protection for local enterprises’ innovations, preventing imitation or infringement by competitors,” the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) stated.
Design patents are a significant aspect of China’s patent system, with 638,000 design patents authorized in 2023. The country also topped global rankings for international design patent applications in 2024.
The establishment of the Futian IPR center is expected to attract more fashion design talent to the district, enhance the competitiveness of designs, and support the innovative growth of small and medium-sized fashion enterprises. This initiative aligns with China’s goal of driving high-quality development through innovation.
Currently, China has 48 national-level fast IPR protection service centers focusing on industries with rapid product cycles and a strong demand for design protection. These centers are situated in key locations like Yiwu, renowned for small commodities, and Shantou, known as the “toy capital” of China.
The expansion of fast-track IPR centers demonstrates China’s commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish, providing robust protection for intellectual property rights across various industries.
