Shanghai issued its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for high-quality intellectual property development on July 29, outlining the city's priorities for the next five years.
For businesses, innovators, and related service providers, the plan includes faster dispute resolution, broader access to IP-related financing, and stronger support for managing overseas IP risks.
The city aims to become a major international city for intellectual property by 2030. By 2035, it seeks to largely establish itself as an international IP center with sound institutions and leading capabilities.
The plan sets nine indicative targets for IP creation, protection, and utilization outcomes. By 2030, annual international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty are expected to reach about 9,000, and the case-handling period for administrative adjudication of patent disputes is expected to be shortened from 90 to 60 days.
Covering the full IP chain, the plan sets out six core tasks and supporting measures.
Key measures include:
Strengthening IP protection
Shanghai will explore IP protection frameworks for emerging fields and new business models, including big data, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and quantum technology.
Measures include implementing the punitive damages system for IP infringement, strengthening trade secret protection and antitrust enforcement, expediting the handling of infringements on e-commerce platforms and at exhibitions, and strengthening border protection through smart customs systems.
The city will establish a one-stop mediation and arbitration mechanism and encourage the use of arbitration to resolve disputes over standard-essential patent licensing fees.
Improving cross-border IP services
To address overseas IP risks, Shanghai will establish a coordination mechanism between national and municipal authorities for major disputes, upgrade its overseas dispute warning platform, and enhance its expert advisory network.
The city will continue operating the Shanghai branches of the National Overseas Intellectual Property Dispute Response Guidance Center, expand service points in key trade and investment markets, promote overseas IP insurance, and strengthen assistance with IP rights protection at international exhibitions.
Shanghai will support companies in strengthening their overseas patent portfolios and trademark and brand operations, while promoting global IP portfolios focused on high-value invention patents and PCT applications.
Promoting high-efficiency IP utilization
The city will strengthen the functions of the National Platform (Shanghai) for International Service of Intellectual Property Operations and the Shanghai Technology Exchange. It will promote open patent licensing, use AI to match patent holders with potential users, and encourage the development of more IP-related financial products.
Supporting high-quality IP creation
Shanghai will strengthen forward-looking IP planning for cell and gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, 6G, silicon photonics, quantum computing, and green fuels.
Improving high-standard IP services
The city will expand specialized patent databases, Technology and Innovation Support Centers, IP public information service outlets, and AI-powered IP services.
Key areas, including Pudong New Area, Lin-gang Special Area, Hongqiao International Central Business District, and the Eastern Hub, will deepen reforms in IP protection and management systems.
Building an open and cooperative ecosystem
Shanghai will implement the memorandum of understanding signed with the World Intellectual Property Organization, continue hosting the Shanghai International Intellectual Property Forum, and jointly organize the Shanghai IP Innovation Award with WIPO.
The city will participate in global IP governance and international rulemaking in emerging fields, and support the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Shanghai Service in enhancing its service capacity.
Shanghai will deepen joint international training for IP professionals with WIPO and support cooperation between universities and overseas academic institutions.
