14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference Opens in Beijing

The 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference (CIPAC) kicked off in Beijing on September 11, under the theme "IP in the Digital Age." Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Li Zhongjun, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, and Grigory Ivliev, President of the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO), attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), sent a congratulatory message. The opening ceremony was chaired by CNIPA Deputy Commissioner Hu Wenhui.

Shen noted that the world has entered a digital age characterized by universal connectivity and ubiquitous computing. China attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy and technological innovation. President Xi Jinping emphasized that we should leverage our massive data resources and diverse application scenarios, promote the deep integration of digital technology and the real economy, and make digital economy stronger, better, larger. Shen pointed out that the development of the digital economy relies on core technologies, and the digital age is driving transformations in the IP system. The CNIPA has been actively adapting to the era and improving IP protection mechanisms in emerging fields such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI), while also using digital technologies to enhance IP governance efficiency. He hoped that participants would deepen exchanges and cooperation on the conference theme, and jointly promote the mutual reinforcement, co-evolution, and integrated development of digital technologies and IP.

Daren Tang said in his congratulatory letter that the global industrial economy is undergoing a transformation, entering an era driven by IP. Many countries are increasing their investments in the digital and creative economy sectors, with digital innovation becoming an engine of industrial development. China has been expanding investment in innovation, making remarkable progress in frontier technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing, and cloud infrastructure. WIPO is willing to collaborate with all sectors to foster a spirit of innovation, making IP a catalyst for the future development of humanity.

Li highlighted that Jiangsu has always regarded IP as a crucial safeguard for innovation-driven development, focusing on deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation to accelerate the growth of new quality productive forces. Going forward, Jiangsu will further build platforms to promote such integration, enhance IP governance capacity, and foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. Jiangsu will contribute its solutions and efforts to better leveraging the dual roles of IP system supply and technology supply in the digital age.

Grigory Ivliev noted that broad international engagement helps deepen pragmatic cooperation in multiple fields and build a shared space of peace, stability, mutual trust, and development across Eurasia. He added that the eight EAPO member states have been actively cooperating with China through a multi-level framework and are willing to elevate collaboration to a higher level. The EAPO will continue to work closely with its member states and international partners to make the Eurasian patent system more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.

A number of guests from government agencies, academia, and the business community delivered keynote speeches. More than 8,000 participants, including representatives from the WIPO Office in China, relevant CNIPA departments, provincial and municipal IP authorities, foreign embassies and consulates in China, overseas institutions, Chinese and international enterprises, and IP service providers, attended the conference.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Chinese and international guests participated in interactive experiences showcasing AI and digital technologies, as well as activities related to patents, trademarks, and geographical indications. This year's conference featured one main forum and 12 sub-forums, where participants engaged in discussions on key IP topics. In addition, a variety of events such as roadshows and competitions were also held to provide a platform to showcase the latest achievements and promote in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the field of IP.(Source from CNIPA Website)