Source: chinadaily.com.cn

An intellectual property (IP) court was inaugurated in the Xi'an International Trade and Logistic (ITL) Park on Feb 24, becoming the first specialized organ to hear IP cases in Northwest China.

The nameplate was unveiled by Zhang Shuyuan, vice-president of the Supreme People's Court and Du Hangwei, member of the Standing Committee of CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee.

Empowered by the Supreme People's Court, the court, under the jurisdiction of Xi'an Intermediate People's Court, will accept civil and administrative cases pertaining to patent, secret technical information and recognition of well-known trademarks throughout Shaanxi province.

The Xi'an ITL Park, part of the China (Shaanxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone, is an important logistics and freight hub which enjoys close connections with countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

The park will strengthen intellectual property rights protection in a bid to create a sound environment for foreign businesses to invest in China.

More corporations specialized in import and export, technology and internet, which require high IP and trademark legal services, can also be attracted to settle here.

Du Hangwei, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, made a speech at the ceremony, urging the new court to improve judicial protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and help create a fair and transparent investment environment in the northwestern inland city.

A highly dedicated and qualified judiciary team will be developed through strict talent training to ensure effective application of laws and safeguards of social fairness and justice.

Li Zhi, head of the Higher People's Court of Shaanxi province, appreciated the attention from the Supreme People's Court and the support from all levels of Shaanxi's government in setting up the court.

He hoped that the province's courts will take this opportunity to propel Shaanxi's innovative development with powerful legal services and judicial protection.