China Unveils Comprehensive IP Protection Strategy to Bolster Solar Industry Innovation

China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have announced a comprehensive set of policy measures designed to reinforce intellectual property (IP) protection in the nation’s solar industry. The joint document emphasizes the need to address “involution competition” and aims to cultivate a fair, orderly market environment conducive to the healthy development of the photovoltaic sector.

The policy outlines eleven key tasks, starting with the promotion of high-quality patent filings. Enterprises are encouraged to accelerate technological innovation in advanced photovoltaic technologies such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon), back-contact (BC), and heterojunction (HJT) cells. Additionally, the framework highlights the importance of securing foundational patents for emerging technologies including perovskite and tandem solar cells.

Further priorities include enhancing the efficiency of patent pre-examination processes and strengthening IP risk monitoring mechanisms. The document also calls for improvements in the administrative adjudication of IP disputes to ensure timely and effective resolution.

Collaborative protection of IP rights is another focal point, with commitments to regulate IP infringement within solar procurement schemes and to develop diversified dispute resolution methods. The policy additionally stresses the transformation and application of IP rights, bolstering overseas IP risk responses, and enhancing the IP management capabilities of enterprises.

Brand development and trademark protection are also underscored as critical components of the strategy to elevate the solar industry’s competitive edge.

CNIPA and MIIT project that by 2027, these measures will have significantly contributed to the photovoltaic industry’s growth through the deployment of numerous high-value patents with competitive rights and an increased capacity to manage IP risks effectively.

The document concludes with a commitment to establish a coordination and consultation system for IP rights in China’s solar sector. This system will foster overall guidance and regular communication by exploring models of central-local government collaboration and regional cooperation.

The coordination framework will support solar enterprises in IP management and utilization, establish specialized think tanks comprising experts in IP, industry, law, and public services, and promote a social atmosphere that respects IP rights and values innovation.

This initiative follows MIIT’s July announcement targeting the reduction of “disorderly” competition in China’s solar sector by addressing low-price competition and excess capacity. In November, the ministry also pledged to tackle irrational competition within the battery storage industry.

The new IP protection policies represent a strategic effort by Chinese authorities to strengthen the photovoltaic industry’s innovation ecosystem and market fairness through robust intellectual property governance.