At a recent press conference on the status of intellectual property (IP) protection and development in Sichuan Province in 2024, it was announced that Mianyang City has been officially approved to establish a National-Level Intellectual Property Protection Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Protection Center").

    This newly approved center is the third national-level IP protection center in Sichuan Province, following the Sichuan Provincial Protection Center and the Chengdu Protection Center.

    Mianyang boasts significant strengths in the fields of new materials and intelligent manufacturing. Its new materials industry has developed a complete supply chain covering research and design through to production, forming an industrial cluster with distinct local characteristics. Major enterprises such as Dongcai Technology, Xuhong Optoelectronics, and Panzhihua Iron & Steel are representative of this sector. In intelligent manufacturing, Mianyang is home to industry and research leaders such as Changhong, Jiuzhou, the China Academy of Engineering Physics, and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center. The city has promising development prospects in areas such as nuclear medical equipment, drones, and robotics. The Protection Center’s approved service scope is highly aligned with these strategic industries, making it a significant driver of Mianyang’s economic development.

    Once operational, the Protection Center will provide one-stop comprehensive IP services, including fast-track patent examination, accelerated rights confirmation, and rapid rights enforcement for innovation entities in relevant sectors. Enterprises operating within Mianyang’s key industries will be able to apply for expedited pre-examination services through the center, reducing the patent examination cycle by up to 80%, significantly lowering time and cost for patent applications.

    Moreover, patents submitted via the Protection Center enjoy significantly higher authorization rates compared to standard channels, shortening the timeline for IP authorization and enhancing rights confirmation efficiency at reduced costs. The center will also support priority review for patent reexaminations and invalidation cases, enable remote video hearings, and promote the joint handling of patent confirmation and administrative adjudication cases, providing robust legal assurance for innovators.

    In terms of rapid enforcement, the center will offer rights protection assistance, infringement determination consulting, dispute mediation, and coordinated protection services. These measures aim to address common challenges faced by rights holders—such as difficulties in evidence collection, lengthy procedures, and high litigation costs—by delivering fast, efficient, and comprehensive enforcement support.

    Source:http://ipr.mofcom.gov.cn/article/gnxw/zfbm/zfbmdf/sc/202505/1991524.html