China charts stronger IP framework

Annual conference spotlights safeguards, overseas collaboration and AI-driven innovation

The China National Intellectual Property Administration is set to fully implement the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) in the sector of intellectual property rights, continuously improving the IP protection environment and fostering a new landscape for international IP cooperation, according to a senior official of the CNIPA.

Shen Changyu, head of the CNIPA, highlighted these goals during the opening ceremony of the 15th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference.

The two-day gathering, which concluded in Beijing on Wednesday, featured an opening ceremony, keynote speeches, a main forum, 13 subforums and over 20 parallel activities. It provided a high-end platform for policy deliberation, industrial exchange, international dialogue and matchmaking of IP services.

As one of Asia's largest and most influential IP events, the annual conference, held since 2010, continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing China's achievements in IP development, discussing cutting-edge industry topics, matching industrial resources and facilitating international communication and exchanges.

This year's subforums and parallel sessions were organized around four major themes: the implementation of laws and regulations and the optimization of rights confirmation mechanisms; international governance and enterprises' global outreach; cutting-edge technologies and future industries; and value realization and industrial development.

Under the theme of international governance and enterprises' global expansion, for example, two key subforums addressed practical challenges faced by Chinese companies operating overseas.

One forum explored real-world strategies for jurisdictions and regions such as the Unified Patent Court, Brazil and Southeast Asia, sharing practical approaches for corporate IP layout and risk prevention in foreign countries.

Another focused on the global governance of standard-essential patents and an open, win-win licensing ecosystem, bringing together representatives from enterprises such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Nokia, as well as global patent pool managers like the Via Licensing Alliance. Participants discussed the coordination of global SEP governance rules and ways to foster an open and mutually beneficial licensing ecosystem.

Antti Sakari Riivari, head of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, noted the long-standing cooperative relationship between the Finnish office and CNIPA. Over the years, the two sides have refined their cooperation models and exchanged work experience.

Riivari emphasized the potential of IP protection mechanisms to benefit all innovation-focused stakeholders through efficient IP cooperation, and expressed confidence in thriving innovation across China, Finland and the world.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a prominent topic at this year's conference, featuring the broadest and most in-depth coverage of AI-related issues in the event's history. A comprehensive matrix of AI-themed sessions covered legal governance, technological innovation, industrial transformation and global governance.

The forum titled "AI-driven Industrial Transformation and Innovation Evolution", for instance, focused on technology and industrial perspectives, exploring AI-native technologies, next-generation innovation paradigms, embodied intelligence-enabled industrial shifts and how AI reshapes corporate organizations and production models.

Representatives from the IP center of the AI Industry Working Committee, the electronic IP center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and enterprises engaged in embodied intelligence discussed pathways for AI to move beyond the digital realm into physical-world industrial transformation.

This year's conference, held shortly after the revised Trademark Law was adopted and ahead of its formal implementation, hosted a special forum on interpreting the new law and a closed-door legislative research meeting on supporting implementing regulations.

The interpretation forum analyzed the law's core shift from a registration-oriented system to a use-oriented framework. Practical topics, including trademark defense for brands going global and evidence preservation for infringements in livestreaming e-commerce, were thoroughly discussed.

The closed-door session gathered representatives from top IP agencies, law firms and brand owners to collect on-the-ground pain points and policy suggestions. Inputs from the session will inform revisions to the Trademark Law implementing regulations and transitional measures, creating a direct channel for policymakers to hear voices from industry practitioners.

A notable highlight was a matchmaking event for Chinese and European Union geographical indication products. More than 150 domestic GI products recommended by IP authorities and industry associations from regions like Shaanxi and Jiangxi provinces were showcased alongside over 30 GI products from the EU.

The conference also forged deep partnerships with e-commerce platforms, including CP Group and East Buy, to expand market access and raise brand recognition for GI goods.

Dedicated support for small and medium-sized enterprises formed another key component of the event. A comprehensive service chain was established, covering policy interpretation, resource sharing, practical guidance and service matching.

The GI matchmaking activity offered SMEs from local characteristic industries opportunities for brand promotion and business connection. A large number of national IP-advantaged and demonstration enterprises also participated, helping SMEs tap into industry chain resources and supporting innovation among smaller market players.

Carsten Fink, chief economist of the World Intellectual Property Organization, commented that Chinese innovation is advancing the global frontiers of science and technology across a growing number of fields, and countries worldwide are increasingly benefiting from Chinese innovation.

Looking ahead, Fink expressed optimism that China's innovation and IP system will remain dynamic.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn