Chinese intellectual property law defines intellectual property rights as the product of creativity or a mark that identifies goods or services. The three main fields of intellectual property are copyrights, trademarks, and patents. China also has a concept of industry rights that encompasses patents and trademarks.

The 2021 Civil Code enumerates specific intellectual property rights unique to China, granting exclusive rights to (1) works; (2) inventions, utility patents, and exterior designs; (3) trademarks; (4) geographic indications; (5) trade secrets; (6) integrated circuit design drawings; (7) new plant cultivars; (8) any other objects provided for by law.