WIPO China: Ensuring the Rule of Law in Intellectual Property Rights: A Vital Foundation for Fostering Sustainable Innovation

Changsha, April 20 - The 2024 IPR Nanhu Forum on Legal Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for All-around Innovation, co-hosted by Zhongnan University of Economics and Law and Central South University, commenced in Changsha. Ms. Wang Binying, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), sent a congratulatory letter to the Forum.

Ms. Wang, in her congratulatory letter, noted that with the rapid development of new technologies and digital transformation, a crucial moment is being faced in reshaping the ways of innovation and IP protection. WIPO closely monitors these changes, particularly the profound impact of the two innovative waves of the digital age and deep science on the global economy and society. These cutting-edge technologies not only present new opportunities for IP protection, such as using AI tools for IP detection but also raise concerns about IP infringement. Therefore, ensuring that the international IP system keeps pace with the changing world and continues to serve its fundamental purpose of encouraging innovation and creativity becomes an important task.

Ms. Wang pointed out that China has made remarkable achievements in the field of IP protection and innovation. By establishing a modern and efficient IP system, China has taken the lead globally in patent, trademark, and design applications, demonstrating strong technological innovation capabilities. In addition, China has actively transformed intangible assets into tangible products, making significant contributions to economic growth. These achievements were inseparable from the strategic importance attached to IP by Chinese leaders, consistent policy implementation, and a robust IP ecosystem, as WIPO Director General Daren Tang highlighted. WIPO has carried out extensive cooperation with China in various fields to jointly promote the progress of global IP causes.

Ms. Wang emphasized that as World IP Day is celebrated globally, the close relationship between IP and sustainable development goals should be recognized. Through innovation and creativity, a better future can be jointly built. WIPO is committed to creating an inclusive, balanced, vibrant, and forward-looking global IP ecosystem and, through cooperation with various countries, cultivating young innovative talents to provide a platform for the growth of the next generation of global IP leaders. At the same time, more people are encouraged to participate in the field of IP protection, work together to promote the prosperity and development of global IP causes, and make greater contributions to human progress and innovation.

About IPR Nanhu Forum

The IPR Nanhu Forum was founded by the Center for Studies of Intellectual Property Rights of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in 2004. After 19 years of development, the IPR Nanhu Forum has become a representative academic event in the Chinese IP field and an international platform for academic exchange, known for its large scale, high level, and wide influence. It has received high praise from the IP community and news media both domestically and internationally.

The 20th IPR Nanhu Forum was held in Changsha, Hunan Province on April 20 and 21, 2024 under th the theme of "Legal Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for All-around Innovation." More than 600 representatives from IP management departments, courts, colleges and universities, high-tech enterprises, and legal affairs departments participated in the forum, focusing on fully unleashing innovation vitality and jointly contributing to the high-quality development of IP.