China revises its regulations protecting chip (integrated circuit) layout designs, strengthening legal safeguards for technology developed by domestic companies. Multiple outlets report that the revised rules are promulgated through a State Council decree signed by Premier Li Qiang, as reported by Xinhua. The changes reflect the growing strategic importance Beijing assigns to locally developed technology, including amid broader pressures on the semiconductor sector. The revised regulations take effect on October 15, with the Justice Ministry and the China National Intellectual Property Administration indicating the implementation date. The updates also clarify how rights related to chip layout designs are handled in practice. Reporting highlights that the rules specify aspects of licensing and transfer arrangements and address co-ownership rights for layout designs. The revisions also clarify financial penalties for infringement, establishing more detailed consequences for unauthorized use. Overall, the revised framework aims to tighten protection, improve clarity for rights holders and business arrangements, and support innovation in chip-related technology.