Notice on Publishing the Revised Request Forms for Integrated Circuit Layout Designs

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued a notice on October 21, 2026 announcing adaptive revisions to the request forms used in integrated circuit (IC) layout design matters. The revision is made to coordinate with the revised Implementing Rules of the Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits and the revised Guidelines for Examination and Administrative Adjudication of Integrated Circuit Layout Designs, both of which take effect on October 30, 2026.

According to the notice, the revised forms will be implemented simultaneously with the new Implementing Rules and Guidelines, and the corresponding old versions of the forms will be abolished at the same time. Parties can access and download the revised forms through the Form Download section under the Government Services column on the CNIPA website (www.cnipa.gov.cn).

The forms revision is one piece of a broader overhaul of China's IC layout design protection regime taking effect this month. CNIPA has also published transitional measures for handling examination business under the revised Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits, effective October 15, 2026, and released the revised Examination and Administrative Adjudication Guidelines, which likewise apply from October 30, 2026.

IC layout designs occupy a distinct niche in China's IP framework, protecting the three-dimensional configuration of elements and interconnections in semiconductor chips. For applicants and agents, the practical takeaway is immediate: any layout design filing submitted on or after October 30 must use the revised forms, and filings prepared on the old templates risk rejection or the need for correction. Agencies handling semiconductor clients should update their form libraries and internal checklists ahead of the changeover.

Original Link: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2026/10/21/art_75_208634.html