Collaborating in China

If you're considering manufacturing or collaborating with someone in China, here are some steps you should take to protect your intellectual property (IP) from being infringed.  

What to consider before getting started

Before you get started, consider what each side will bring into the collaboration and how you'll manage any IP that arises, along with IP that already exists. Issues to consider include:

  • Who will own IP rights that emerge from the collaboration?
  • Who will own commercialisation rights, and in which locations?
  • Will the other party receive royalties?
  • How will payments will be made?
  • How will funds be sent to Australia?

Whenever you do business in China you should:

For detailed information on collaborating in China, download our guide:

Keep your discussions confidential

Sharing key information with potential collaborators or manufacturers is a normal step of the collaboration process. However, before starting discussions, you should have agreements and procedures in place to protect your interests.

This could include non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and processes to manage confidential information, such as:

  • Keeping accurate records and copies of key correspondence relating to your agreement
  • Managing confidential information carefully, even if you have an NDA in place
  • Classifying confidential information and restricting access to a need-to-know basis
  • Closely monitoring the movement of flash disks, portable hard drives and laptops.

Prepare a non-disclosure agreement

We have a template non-disclosure agreement, suitable for research collaborations in China, available to Australian stakeholders on request. It's a good starting point that you can adapt to your specific circumstances with the help of a China qualified lawyer.
You can reach out to us at ChinaIP@ipaustralia.gov.au to request the document.