Harsh penalties await scientific research fraudsters

Chinese courts will intensify efforts to combat fraud in scientific research, imposing harsh penalties on corrupt personnel in the field of technological innovation, according to guidelines issued by China's top court on Monday.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of scientific integrity, requiring courts nationwide to severely crack down on fraud in the testing, development, application or promotion of scientific and technological achievements. This includes falsifying or tampering with experimental data, fabricating patents and hiring others to write papers.

Courts at all levels are instructed to prioritize combating corruption in science and technology, imposing heavier penalties on those who embezzle or accept bribes related to the country's key projects, core industries, major scientific and technological programs and innovation rewards.

Additionally, the guidelines urge judges to focus on resolving cases involving abuse of power, malpractice or dereliction of duty in scientific and technological activities to help create a standardized and clean environment for innovators.

The guidelines, which consist of 98 specific measures, aim to provide stronger protection for innovation and contribute to Chinese modernization by improving the quality of case handling, according to Tao Kaiyuan, vice-president of the Supreme People's Court.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Tao noted the documents marked the first time the top court has issued such a systematic and comprehensive document to promote scientific and technological innovation.

Tao noted that innovation-driven development and high-level technological self-reliance are engines for building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation. She emphasized that "protecting and encouraging innovators with optimized legal services and stronger legal support are the responsibilities of Chinese courts."

She also called on Chinese courts to strengthen the use of punitive damages in cases involving intellectual property infringement, improve their handling of foreign-related disputes in science and technology, and increase international exchanges in the sector.

Over the past decade, Chinese courts have enhanced scientific and technological development through case hearings. Currently, 558 courts nationwide have jurisdiction over IP civil lawsuits, according to Li Jian, chief judge of the Supreme People's Court's Third Civil Division.

"We've also invested more effort in IP legal talent education, formulating 26 IP judicial interpretations and guidelines since 2018, and striving to make IP case handling more professional," Li said.

Li added that IP data and information exchanges with government departments have been strengthened to respond promptly to the concerns and legal demands of various market entities.

Furthermore, the guidelines direct courts to address disputes related to trade secrets and the data economy. They also emphasize conducting more research into regulating online behavior while combating monopolies and unfair competition in cyberspace.