China’s Patent Law Revamp Promises New Protections for Drugmakers

China is changing its patent law with an eye toward ramping up legal protections for drug manufacturers, building on the country’s efforts to bolster its intellectual property system.

The country is establishing a new system for brand-name manufacturers and generics makers to resolve patent disputes under the changes, which take effect June 1. China also will allow extensions of patent terms for such things as delays at the patent office.

Changes to the litigation system could provide more incentives for large drug companies to enter the Chinese market by boosting procedural protections, attorneys say. Drugmakers have been skeptical in the ...