The State Administration for Market Regulation of China recently issued the "Antitrust Guidelines for Standard Essential Patents" to the public.
The "Guidelines" consists of six chapters and 22 articles, defining the concepts related to standard essential patents, proposing analysis principles for antitrust behaviors involving standard essential patents and relevant market definition ideas, establishing pre- and in-process regulatory rules, and strengthening guidance on information disclosure, licensing commitments, good faith negotiations and other behaviors, and prevention of high-risk behaviors.
Standard essential patents licensing covers various fields, including wireless communications, audio and video, and the Internet of Things. The issue of fair competition in the field of standard essential patents involves both domestic and international markets and is closely related to the innovative development of numerous industries. Formulating and issuing the Guidelines is conducive to actively complying with international governance trends and the overall trend of industrial development, thereby promoting the creation of a unified, standardized, and orderly market environment that encourages innovative development. It is also beneficial for better participating in global fair competition governance, serving high-level opening up to the outside world, and enhancing the international competitiveness of industries.
Full text attached: Antitrust Guidelines for Standard Essential Patents
(Source: Xinhua Net)