In order to stimulate the innovation vitality of enterprises – and promote the creation, operation and protection of intellectual property or IP – Tongzhou district in Nantong city, in East China's Jiangsu province, has issued a number of measures to support patent applications, local media reported.

The first is designed to improve the processing and applications team. Under it, each sub-bureau under Tongzhou's jurisdiction will establish a special liaison for IP, responsible for connecting government departments and local businesses – and understanding the needs of local enterprises in applying for patents.

The second measure broadens publicity channels – using online and offline means to promote policies, laws and regulations, the patent applications process and other information.

The third involves accurate classification guidance. It will classify local businesses according to their number of patents and enterprise scale and give specific guidance accordingly, to better respond to the needs of different enterprises.

The final measure concerns strengthening multi-party connections. Under it, the administrative departments of towns and sub-districts will report the number of invention patents and patent applications to the district government monthly.