China's top market regulator to strengthen crackdown on IPR infringements

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has taken measures to enhance supervision on online shopping and infringements of intellectual property rights (IPR) in imports and exports.

These measures fall into six aspects, including strengthening oversight on law enforcement, broadening sources of infringement clues, promoting the connectivity of administrative and criminal law enforcement, enhancing cooperation between government departments and firms, and improving the regulatory system.

The measures were jointly introduced by the SAMR with departments including the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, General Administration of Customs, National Copyright Administration and National Intellectual Property Administration.

At a meeting of the heads of IPR administrations in January, SAMR Chief Zhang Mao said IPR had played an increasingly prominent role in the country's economic and social development.

Zhang called for improved IPR review efficiency, reinforced IPR protection and enhanced international competitiveness and influence.