China's first ever intellectual property court has been officially unveiled today here in the capital, Beijing.
The court will focus largely on civil and administrative lawsuits regarding patents, new plant varieties, integrated circuit layout, technological knowledge, and computer software.
An Fengde, the spokesperson for the Beijing Higher Court, says the reason for Beijing to initiate the court is that the city has a long history of hearing IP cases.
"Back in 1993, Beijing set up the country's first trial divisions. In 2013, courts in the city dealt with over 15 thousand IP cases, 13-percent nationwide. Among these cases, all of administrative appeals made after government rulings are heard in Beijing courts."
That includes an earlier brawl between IT giant Baidu and Qihoo 360.
Starting tomorrow, other intermediate courts will no longer accept cases regarding intellectual property.
Local courts will still be eligible for small civil cases related to the IP field.
The Beijing Higher Court will serve as the Court of Appeals for IP cases.
Two similar courts in Shanghai and Guangzhou will open by the end of this year.
