China will implement stricter ethical reviews for artificial intelligence (AI) patents starting January 1, 2026, as part of newly revised guidelines announced by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on November 28, 2025. The measures aim to ensure AI technologies align with legal standards, social ethics, and public interests during patent examinations.
Senior CNIPA official Jiang Tong revealed the guidelines will establish dedicated sections for AI and big data innovations. These include requirements for technical solutions involving data collection, algorithm rule-setting, and model training processes. The updates specifically address disclosure challenges posed by AI's "black-box" nature through refined documentation standards.
The regulations emerge as China positions itself at the forefront of global AI development, with over 1.2 million AI-related patent applications filed domestically since 2020. CNIPA's Liang Xinxin concurrently announced plans to deepen international intellectual property cooperation during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), emphasizing equal protection for domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.
These changes reflect Beijing's dual focus on maintaining technological leadership while addressing ethical concerns in emerging fields. The guidelines are expected to influence global AI development standards and cross-border innovation partnerships.
