[Photo/VCG]

To boost IP creation, service and application and create a business-friendly environment, the Qingdao Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office) recently issued Several Measures to Improve the Efficiency of IP Work and Serve the High-quality Development of the Economy, which clarifies 18 major tasks in three aspects: improving the efficiency of IP work, supporting innovative market entities and promoting the high-quality development of key industries. 

The policy proposes the enhancement of the value of trademarks, the cultivation of new emerging brands such as specialized and sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises, the encouragement of market leaders to build renowned global brands and the provision of support for innovation of traditional brands.

Specifically, Qingdao will establish a patent navigation supply and demand docking mechanism for the government, enterprises and service agencies, reduce the threshold and transaction costs for SMEs to obtain patent technologies, cultivate leading IP enterprises, explore a new path for the development of geographical indications -- "signs, products, brands and industries" and expand international exchanges and cooperation in IPR. 

Innovation is a driving force for development and protecting IPR would in turn protect the outcome of innovative development. The city is speeding up the construction of a national IPR protection center and promoting administrative adjudication for patent infringement disputes. Qingdao has implemented rules to help companies reduce infringement risks, standardize patent and trademark application, crack down on malicious trademark registration and guide companies in conducting overseas IP risk assessments and safety warnings. 

In terms of improving the quality of IP services, the city has established a think tank to support government decision-making and provided enterprises with professional IP services. Qingdao has also increased the number of information service outlets in universities, research institutes and industrial parks, improved thematic databases for marine, rubber and other industries and offered point-to-point services for enterprises.

Other measures include promoting the innovative development of the IP service industry, serving no less than 200 innovation entities, guiding the upstream and downstream industries of the IP services chain, optimizing patent pledge loan services and helping companies transform IP into assets.