China steps up protection for chip designs in revised regulations

China has revised regulations protecting integrated-circuit layout designs, tightening registration standards and allowing punitive damages for serious infringement, as Beijing seeks to ‌better safeguard domestic chip know-how. The revised regulations, signed by Premier Li Qiang on July ‌23, will take effect on October 15, the Justice Ministry and China National Intellectual Property Administration said in a document ​published by state news agency Xinhua on Monday.