Li Qiang signs State Council decree, promulgating the revised “Regulations on the Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits”

Premier of the State Council Li Qiang recently signed a State Council decree, announcing the revised Regulation on the Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, which will take effect on October 15, 2026. This regulation mainly focuses on improving the protection of exclusive rights in layout designs of integrated circuits, with the aim of encouraging technological innovation and promoting scientific and technological development. The revisions include clarifying overall requirements, improving application and examination procedures, strengthening exclusive rights protection, and promoting the use of layout designs. In terms of specific systems, the regulation proposes expanding the scope of protection, emphasizing good faith, regulating fraudulent applications, refining material requirements, improving procedures for rejection, revocation, and restoration of rights, while also increasing compensation for infringement and setting out rules on transfer, licensing, pledging, and the exercise of jointly held rights.