Recently, Patent Reexamination Board under the State Intellectual Property Office released the 12th Five-Year Plan for patent reexamination (2011-2015) (hereinafter referred to as "The Plan"). The Plan reviewed the achievement made in patent reexamination during the 11th Five-Year Period and laid out the development and plan for the next 5 years.
According to the Plan, the efficiency, quality and services for patent reexamination are to be further improved and strengthened. It is expected that by the end the 12th Five-Year Plan, China will be at the same level as the advanced patent offices in the world with regard to its comprehensive capacities for patent reexamination and invalidation. It is also expected that a smooth connection will be further enhanced for pre-trial, administrative litigation and infringement procedures. By doing this, it is hoped that an authoritative position can be established for Patent Reexamination Board in determination and interpretation of grant and patent validity.
The Plan also specifies 9 measures in order to achieve the goal including but not limited to precise management of patent reexamination, the comprehensive capacity improvement, connection in invalidation procedure, promotion of dispute settlement mechanism, academic research, etc.
