China awarded punitive damages totaling 1.16 billion yuan in 2023

Courts nationwide in China handled 319 cases involving punitive damages, a 117% increase year-on-year, said Ding Guangyu, Deputy Director of the Third Civil Division of the Supreme People's Court, at a regular press conference held on May 28. The awarded amount totaled 1.16 billion yuan, a 3.5 times of increase from the previous year, suggesting that the cost of infringement and illegal activities has risen significantly. In technical cases involving punitive damages, the average award amount reached approximately 12.41 million yuan per case, highlighting strengthened judicial protection of intellectual property in key areas, emerging industries, and critical core technologies. Ding also stated that the Supreme People's Court will continue to intensify the application of punitive damages, taking strong actions against malicious and serious infringements.