China's Patent Law will see its third round of changes as the country seeks to iron out problems in the legislation and patent system, a move that is being called "imperative," and timely, reported Thursday's China Daily.

The amendment also aims to meet the challenges from new developments after it joined the World Trade Organization, according to Tian Lipu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).

Tian said research on the amendment has begun early this year, and the National People's Congress will announce the revised sections next year.

"I hope the amendment can be completed by 2008," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Changes in the past four years have brought about many new problems to the Patent Law and even the nation's patent system, Tian said.

The revisions are also expected to better balance the interests of patent holders and the public, and to safeguard national interests and economic security, said the paper.

The sections that are likely to be revised will include how to simplify patent application and examination procedures, whether to adopt international standards in granting patents, and how to improve patent protection and infringement judgment standards.

SIPO also suggested adding some rules in the Patent Law to protect China's biological and genetic resources.

According to Tian, the strategy will cover all aspects of Intellectual property right, including patent, trademarks and copyrights.

(Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2005)