Data misuse and breaches remain two of the most significant threats to data security. China’s Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law set strict standards to prevent improper handling, however, even after years of legal updates and recent draft amendments that increase penalties for large-scale incidents, high-profile breaches keep making headlines.

China’s regulatory framework for cross-border technology transfers has gained prominence amid global tech competition and geopolitical shifts. While U.S. export controls often dominate discussions, China’s evolving system—rooted in decades of legislative development—demands careful navigation. Below is a streamlined overview of critical aspects of the regime.

Since early 2025, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has been gradually adjusting the evidentiary requirements for applicants of the non-use cancellation proceedings. The applicants of non-use cancellations have been receiving Notifications of Amendment one after another, with increasingly demanding requirements for additional information and materials.  On May 26, 2025, the CNIPA updated the guidance on "Application for Non-use Cancellation of a Registered Trademark" (https://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/sbj/sbsq/sqzn/202303/t20230330_26201.html) on its website to provide detailed explanations of changes in documentation requirements faced by non-use cancellation applicants. This article is intended to outline the specific changes in requirements on applicants of the non-use cancellations, explore the motivations behind the changes, and provide some advice to help trademark registrants prepare for potential non-use cancellations, as well as to assist applicants of non-use cancellations in adjusting their filing strategies.intellectual property-trademarks and copyright