China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the General Administration of Customs have issued joint opinions on strengthening coordinated IP protection (Guo Zhi Fa Bao Zi [2026] No. 30). The document is dated 8 October and was published on CNIPA’s website on 14 October. [1]

The first part sets up data sharing in both directions. CNIPA will regularly give customs basic trademark and patent data, to make customs recordation easier, and will share well-known mark determinations, revoked or invalidated marks and major administrative rulings in patent disputes. Customs will give CNIPA data on rights recorded with it and on trademark and patent cases in which goods were confiscated. [1]

The second part covers casework. Each side is to help the other on infringement cases involving imported or exported goods. When customs investigates suspected infringing goods, it will refer to CNIPA’s infringement standards. On complex questions, such as whether goods or marks are similar or whether a patent is infringed, it may ask the IP department at the same level for a professional opinion, and that department is to reply promptly. For technical patent cases, the IP side can recommend experts such as technical investigators. [1]

The document also encourages three groups of rights holders to record their rights with customs: owners of marks recognised as well known, owners of geographical indications registered as collective or certification marks, and companies in key industries such as photovoltaics. Once rights are recorded, customs is to strengthen protection “based on national industrial policy and risk analysis”. [1]

The opinions are a working arrangement between two agencies, not new legislation, and they set no figures or targets. For brand owners, the practical point is customs recordation, which the document links directly to closer attention at the border. It does not say how the shared data will change what customs detains; the regular evaluations the two agencies have committed to would be the place to look for that.

Sources

1. China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). 国家知识产权局 海关总署关于强化知识产权协同保护的意见. Published 2026-10-14 15:01 China time. Simplified Chinese. Byline: CNIPA and General Administration of Customs. Accessed 22 October 2026. Working English title translation: CNIPA and GACC Opinions on Strengthening Coordinated Intellectual Property Protection (working translation).