Intellectual property (IP) infringement and theft is widespread in China, and firms operating there must take steps to protect and enforce their IP rights. 

Companies planning to do business in China should understand that the U.S. and Chinese IP legal systems are different. 

The U.S. Patent and Trade Office’s China IPR Toolkit is a resource to assist U.S. companies with protecting and enforcing their IP rights in China. This 22-page document is a good primer on how to protect your intellectual property in China.

To access China’s ICS, which includes information on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, visit the U.S. Department of State Investment Climate Statement website.