On the morning of August 18, Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) presides over the meeting of the 11th NPC Council of Chairmen in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting suggests the Fourth Session of the 11th NPC Standing Committee, which will be held from August 25 to 29, to examine the Amendment Draft of Patent Law and other law drafts.

According to the prescriptions of Legislation Law, the Amendment Draft of Patent Law is submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for examination by the State Council. On July 30, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao presides over the executive meeting of the State Council to examine and adopt in principle the Amendment of Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China (draft). After three examinations, NPC Standing Committee is expected to approve the amendment version of Patent Law in the first half of 2009.

The amendment draft raises the standard for patent right grant and newly adds the prescriptions of patent technology promotion and utilization. While strengthening patent protection, the draft also prevents patent right holders from right abuse to balance the patent right holders’ interests and the social public interests; it also encourages China to fully exercise the rights endowed by the international conventions participated by China.