WIPO China: Copyright Vital for Sustaining Traditional Culture

September 27, 2023

Nishan, Qufu, September 27 - During the 9th Nishan Forum on World Civilization, a sub-forum titled "Copyright Empowering the Creative Transformation and Development of Fine Traditional Chinese Culture" took place in Nishan, Qufu, Shandong Province. Mr. Zhang Jianchun, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech. Ms. Liu Hua, Director of the WIPO Office in China, and Mr. Bai Yugang, Member of the Standing Committee and Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of Shandong Provincial Committee, attended and addressed the forum. 

Ms. Liu emphasized that copyright plays a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing traditional culture while driving the development of its creative industries. Digital technologies provide opportunities for copyright protection but also introduce challenges such as complex forms of infringement and cultural distortion. To adapt international copyright rules to the digital era, WIPO has provided tools like WIPO ALERT to combat online infringements and has initiated global forums to address digital copyright challenges. The recent 8th session of the WIPO Dialogue on Intellectual Property and Frontier Technologies explored the role of artificial intelligence in culture, including deep learning-based choreography, the preservation of the Icelandic language using large language models, and the use of virtual reality technology to conserve culture and history. This event attracted over 4,200 participants from 158 countries. Additionally, WIPO plans to convene a diplomatic conference in 2024 to conclude an International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources. 

Ms. Liu also mentioned that WIPO continues to promote China's successful copyright protection experiences as exemplified by projects such as Jiangsu Nantong textiles, Fujian Dehua ceramics, and Jiangsu Wujiang silk. These initiatives provide valuable insights, particularly in terms of industrial development and the preservation of traditional culture. Xi'an KissFuture Network Technology Co., Ltd., the winner of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, has developed a Terracotta Army VR cinema, showcasing the integration of digital experiences with historical culture and serving as a model for the protection and utilization of traditional culture. WIPO looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with China to enhance the protection and utilization of intellectual property, promoting global innovation and cultural diversity. 

In his keynote speech, Mr. Zhang emphasized the critical role of copyright in safeguarding and promoting China's fine traditional culture. He highlighted how copyright can stimulate cultural innovation and creativity while fostering cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, thereby enhancing the international influence of Chinese cultural heritage. 

Mr. Bai Yugang stated that Shandong is actively exploring the "+ copyright + digitalization + IP derivatives" model, with a focus on revitalizing rural culture, preserving folklore, traditional handicrafts, and boosting the cultural and creative industry. This approach aims to transform cultural resource advantages into industrial development strengths, promoting mutual enrichment and complementarity. 

The forum centered on pressing topics such as digital copyright, folklore copyright protection, AI, big data, and more. Renowned experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions, providing new insights and strategies to drive the creative transformation and development of fine Chinese traditional culture, as well as the value transformation and legacy of folklore.