Spain’s AI sector is adapting to China’s revised Patent Decree 84, effective 2026, which introduces stricter requirements for AI-related patent filings. According to data from China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Spain’s patent applications in China have steadily increased, reflecting growing interest in protecting AI and big data innovations in sectors like automotive, energy, telecoms, and healthcare. Under the new rules, AI systems cannot be listed as inventors, and human contributors must demonstrate substantive technical input. Patent specifications must now clearly explain model architecture, training data, and system behavior, enabling deeper examination of technical validity. Authorities will also assess compliance, rejecting inventions that violate law or public interest. For Spanish companies used to European Patent Office standards, the shift means more detailed disclosures in China, especially when entering via PCT. Firms must balance patent protection with trade secrets while ensuring AI solutions show real technical improvements rather than simple adaptations.
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