As required by the Patent Law, local intellectual property administrative authorities have been set up in the 31 provincial governments. Their main responsibility is to resolve in that local area patent disputes in cases of infringement or of other nature. The local IP administrative authorities have the power of administrative enforcement, and are engaged in disseminating intellectual property information and promoting public awareness, but are not involved in patent examination.

The protection of patent rights in China can be attained both in administrative approach and in judicial approach. Any applicant, patentee or other interested person who is involved in a patent dispute may either institute an action before the Court, or request the local IP administrative authority to mediate.