The National Intellectual Property Administration of China recently amended its Patent Examination Guidelines to remove certain restrictions on stem cells inventions using certain human embryos.

According to Section II, Chapter 1, 3.1.2, … … If the invention is to use human embryos within 14 days after fertilization and have not undergone in vivo development to separate or acquire stem cells, the patent may not be denied on the grounds of “violating social morality”.

The amendment takes effect November 1, 2019.