China’s Revised Circuit Layout Design Regulations Cover Photonic and Quantum Integrated Circuits, Add Third-Party Revocation and Punitive Damages

On August 3, 2026, China published the revised Regulations on the Protection of Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits (集成电路布图设计保护条例). The revised text was adopted at the 91st executive meeting of the State Council on July 10, 2026 and promulgated on July 23, 2026. It takes effect on October 15, 2026, per Article 54 of the Regulations. This is the first systematic revision of the Regulations since 2001.