World IP Day Celebration and Discussion on 30th Anniversary of IP Education in Chinese Universities
July 11, 2016
An event to mark the 30th Anniversary of intellectual property (IP) education in Chinese universities and 2016 World IP Day took place at Renmin University on April 22. This event was co-organized by WIPO Office in China (WOC) and Renmin University.
Around 100 government officials, judges, researchers, scholars, students in the intellectual property (IP) field as well as IP attaches from US embassy and European Union mission participated. Professor Liu Chuntian, the leading IP education pioneer in China presided over the event.
Pioneering IP education
Mr. Chen Hongbing, Director of WOC read out a congratulatory message from WIPO Director General Francis Gurry on the 30th anniversary of the IP Academy of Renmin University. Dr. Gurry expressed his warm congratulations on the occasion and pointed out that Renmin University was the pioneer of IP education in China.
Mr. Gurry said that Renmin University’s IP Academy has devoted its efforts to IP teaching and training and has instituted fully-fledged basic degrees and post-graduate programs, making it well respected and recognized both in China and at the international level. He is confident that the institution will continue to contribute greatly to IP for the benefit of all.
Mr. Wu Fulai, Vice President of Renmin University thanked Mr. Gurry for sending the message and took stock of achievements the University has made in IP education and research. He also expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with WIPO as well as other partners.
Keeping pace in the digital age
Discussions at the event focused on the importance of World IP Day in public awareness in China as well as current issues concerning IP education and research in the country, including challenges presented by the “Digital Revolution”.
Many speakers stressed that IP legislation should keep pace with the rapidly changing business environment.