Is it illegal to copy equipment?

Legal analysis: it depends on what kind of patent the equipment has. If it is an invention or utility model, both the manufacturer and the user constitute infringement. If it is a design patent, only the manufacturer infringes. Generally, it is more important to judge whether it constitutes infringement.

Legal basis: People's Republic of China (PRC) Patent Law.

Article 63 If the patentee refuses to accept the decision of the patent administrative department of the State Council on compulsory license, and if the patentee and the unit or individual that obtained the compulsory license refuse to accept the decision of the patent administrative department of the State Council on compulsory license fee, they may bring a lawsuit to the people's court within three months from the date of receiving the notice.

Article 65 Where a patent is exploited without the permission of the patentee, that is, the patent right is infringed and a dispute arises, the parties concerned shall settle it through consultation; Unwilling to negotiate or failing to do so, the patentee or interested party may bring a suit in a people's court or request the administrative department for patent affairs to handle it. When the administrative department for patent affairs finds that the infringement is established, it may order the infringer to stop the infringement immediately. If a party refuses to accept the decision, he may bring a lawsuit to the people's court in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China within 15 days from the date of receiving the notice of handling. If the infringer fails to prosecute and stop the infringement upon expiration of the time limit, the administrative department for patent affairs may apply to the people's court for compulsory execution. At the request of the parties concerned, the administrative department for patent affairs may mediate the amount of compensation for patent infringement; If mediation fails, the parties may bring a lawsuit to the people's court in accordance with the Civil Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC).