Modern Social Science Research

The Civil Code of the Peoples Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Civil Code) plays a significant regulatory role in the field of intellectual property (IP), particularly in defining the nature and categories of IP as civil rights. This paper analyzes how the Civil Code strengthens IP protection through its provisions, especially by enhancing deterrence against infringement via punitive damages clauses, and standardizes the utilization of IP, such as provisions on transfer, licensing, and pledge rights. The study demonstrates that the Civil Code not only reinforces the legal status of IP but also facilitates its circulation and financing through normative guidance, thereby supporting commercialization. Finally, the article explores the relationship between the Civil Code and specialized IP laws, emphasizing the foundational and supplementary role of the Civil Code in IP protection and utilization. It highlights the Civil Codes central position in Chinas IP legal protection framework and its substantial contribution to improving the countrys IP legal system.

Civil Code; Intellectual property; Civil rights; Punitive damages; Transfer and licensing