Authored by: Ma Junhao
China has been a powerhouse in AI development and deployment – since 2013, China has overtaken the US as the country with the most number of AI-related patents granted (within all jurisdictions). To continue fostering this surge of innovation, China has already taken significant steps in this direction with the release of its New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (2017), a comprehensive plan outlining goals for the development and implementation of AI by 2030. In addition to this strategic plan, China has also made crucial adjustments to its regulatory framework. The 2019 revision of the China National IP Administration (CNIPA) Guidelines for Examination included notes about the patentability of AI inventions, marking a significant step towards clarifying the legal landscape for AI-related patents.

The lawmakers in the People’s Congress are discussing a national AI Law.China is continuing to refine its regulatory landscape to balance innovation with ethical and societal considerations, and China’s increasing focus on intellectual property rights and innovation especially for AI inventions makes China an attractive hub for companies to protect their inventions.

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