China has approved a new national-level fast IPR protection service center in Shenzhen's Futian district, aiming to speed up design patent approvals and spark fresh waves of innovation.
Futian, a central business hub home to over 2,000 fashion enterprises and a 120 billion yuan cluster, will now offer an expedited IP trail that cuts design patent processing from around six months to just three. According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), this rapid turnaround will help local brands shield their creations and stay ahead in a fast-moving market.
Design patents account for a major slice of China's IP landscape. In 2023, the Chinese mainland authorised 638,000 design patents, and in 2024 it topped the world in international design patent filings. By slashing approval times, the Futian center aims to attract global talent, boost design competitiveness, and fuel the growth of small and medium-sized fashion startups.
The new hub joins 48 fast IPR protection centers across the country, each serving regions with rapid product update cycles—from Yiwu's small commodities market to Shantou's reputation as the toy capital. These centers have proven vital for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to secure their ideas on a global scale.
For business and tech enthusiasts, innovators, and global-minded travelers alike, Shenzhen's latest move underscores how streamlined IP services can unlock creativity and drive high-quality economic development.
Reference(s):
China to set up new fast IPR protection center to foster innovation
cgtn.com
