China tightens chip-design protection and clarifies rights to spur innovation

China has revised regulations on the protection of chip design, a critical move to push for tech self-sufficiency amid US export controls. Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised rules on the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits, Xinhua reported on Monday. The new rules w

A Chinese flag is displayed next to a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips on Feb 17, 2023. (Image: Reuters/Florence Lo) 03 Aug 2026 07:00PM BEIJING: China has revised regulations protecting integrated-circuit layout designs, tightening registration standards and allowing punitive damages for serious infringe