On Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, the Chinese mainland’s top intellectual property regulator, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), revealed plans to strengthen ethical examination of artificial intelligence in its patent review process. The newly revised guidelines, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, introduce the first dedicated section on AI and big data.
The AI and big data chapter requires that technical solutions—ranging from data collection to rule setting—comply with legal requirements, social ethics, and public interests. It also adds detailed instructions for describing model construction and training scenarios, refining criteria to ensure adequate disclosure despite the black-box nature of many AI models.
Senior CNIPA official Jiang Tong emphasized that these rules aim to balance rapid innovation with transparency and public safety. “Inventors must clearly explain how their AI systems work and why they’re safe,” Jiang said, highlighting the push for ethical guardrails in one of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets.
Looking beyond 2026, another CNIPA leader, Liang Xinxin, outlined the IP rights development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). Liang noted the agency will deepen international cooperation, protect IP rights of both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises equally, foster a favorable business environment, and promote dual circulation between domestic and international markets.
For entrepreneurs, researchers, and global tech enthusiasts, these changes mark a pivotal shift: stronger patent scrutiny raises the bar for ethical AI development in the world’s second-largest economy. With clearer standards and tighter oversight, innovators worldwide will need to align their AI strategies with these requirements to secure protection in the Chinese mainland.
How will your AI projects adapt to these new ethical and disclosure standards? Share your perspective and join the conversation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
