China planning to open nation's first intellectual property court in Guangdong

The mainland will soon establish a special court to handle intellectual property (IP) disputes, judges and officials said, a welcome move in a country long criticised for insufficient protection of such rights.

The court's first branch is likely to be set up in Guangdong, a bustling trading hub, with more branches in big cities later.

Intellectual property safeguards are important in fostering fair competition, and ensuring due credit and compensation for firms' or individuals' innovations.

The Communist Party pledged at its third plenum last November to step up IP protection as the nation's economic power and international standing grows.

Xu Chunjian, a senior judge handling IP protection in Guangdong's high court, said the new IP court could be approved soon, and three Guangdong cities - Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai - had filed proposals to build the first court.

Guangdong Governor Zhu Xiaodan said the province, which had "long enjoyed the freedom to experiment", would endeavour to be part of the pilot programme. "The notion and the law of intellectual property is the key for indigenous innovation," Zhu said. "The government needs to strengthen its management system to better serve innovative companies and protect them."