China Publishes Revised Regulations on the Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits (State Council Order No. 842)
On August 3, 2026, China published the revised Regulations on the Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, signed by Premier Li Qiang as State Council Order No. 842 and effective October 15, 2026. The first systematic revision since 2001 extends protection to layout designs of integrated circuits with photonic and quantum functions, curbs false registration applications, strengthens exclusive rights with heavier infringement damages, and improves transfer, licensing and pledge rules.