The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently issued a notice approving the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at the Nantong Intellectual Property Protection Center for official operation. This adds another major platform to Nantong’s intellectual property (IP) public service system, brings fresh momentum to the high-quality development of industrial innovation in the city, and marks a crucial step forward in aligning Nantong’s IP public services with international standards and strengthening its capacity to provide internationally oriented services.

The Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program is a flagship initiative jointly advanced by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and CNIPA, and an important part of China’s IP public service system. TISCs provide innovators with access to global IP information resources and specialized services including patent information searches, industry trend analysis, innovation strategy consulting, and risk monitoring and early warning. They serve as a core public service platform supporting technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

Since being selected in December 2024 as a candidate for the second group of TISCs, the Nantong Administration for Market Regulation (Nantong Intellectual Property Office) has followed high standards to complete all preparatory tasks, while integrating TISC services throughout the entire chain of IP creation, utilization and protection. During the preparatory period, Nantong strengthened its basic services by providing comprehensive training covering patent creation, protection, utilization and management and helping develop a pool of local professionals in technology, law and IP commercialization. Meanwhile, it enhanced advanced services by establishing a business support model featuring “dedicated initiatives, designated specialists and end-to-end services,” bringing professional IP services directly to businesses. To date, tailored services have been provided to more than 140 key innovation entities, including ZTT, the Yangtze Delta Institute of Optoelectronics at Peking University, and Nantong Institute of Technology, with more than 60 professional analysis reports produced. Finally, the city expanded value-added services and developed distinctive service brands closely aligned with local key industries. Notably, its contributions to developing the Jiangsu 5G Communications Industry Intellectual Property Operation Center were selected as one of the 30 National Outstanding IP Public Service Cases in 2025.