Li signed an order by the State Council to issue revised regulations on the design and protection of integrated circuit maps

On 3 August, the Premier of the State Council, Li Qiang, signed an order of the State Council promulgating the amended Regulations for the Design Protection of Integrated Circuit Charts (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations), which became effective on 15 October 2026. The Regulations are designed to protect the exclusive rights of integrated circuit chart design, to encourage integrated circuit technological innovation and to promote scientific and technological development. A total of 6 chapter 54 of the Regulations are amended as follows: The first is to clarify the overall requirements. Provides that the protection of integrated circuit chart design should follow the deployment of the Party and the National Intellectual Property Strategy, extend the protection and emphasize honesty. The second is to improve the application and review procedures. (c) Regulate false applications, refine material requirements, improve dismissal and revocation procedures and increase the process of restoration of rights. Thirdly, there is the strengthening of exclusive protection. Clear criteria for the definition of the scope of rights and greater reparation for violations. The fourth is to promote the use of map design. Strengthening public services, clarifying incentives, improving transfer, licensing and quality requirements and regulating the exercise of community rights。