The development of intellectual property in China over the past 30 years is as impressive as the country's economic growth, according to a top global IP expert. [Photo/ sipaphoto.com]

BEIJING - China's new draft amendment to its Criminal Law has proposed stricter punishment for intellectual property crimes.

The draft Amendment XI to the Criminal Law was submitted Tuesday to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for the third reading.

The maximum prison term for trademark and copyright infringements will be increased from seven years to 10 years, according to the draft amendment.