Shanghai recently hosted the 21st International Intellectual Property (IP) Forum, which featured the theme "Intellectual Property Empowers the Development of New Quality Productive Forces".

Co-organized by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the forum gathered representatives from international organizations and government departments as well as industry experts to discuss the role of IP in fostering innovation and economic growth.

Since its inception in 2003, the IP forum has become a key platform for observing China's IP development and promoting international cooperation. The various sub-forums at this year's forum featured insightful discussions and led to significant outcomes.

Keynote Highlights

Peng Wen, deputy director-general of CNIPA's IP Utilization Promotion Department. [Photo/China International Intellectual News]

Peng emphasized the importance of patent commercialization and utilization in driving the development of new quality productive forces. He highlighted the implementation of the "Special Action Plan for Patent Transformation and Utilization (2023-25)", focusing on technological breakthroughs, innovative resource allocation, and industrial upgrading. Key initiatives include promoting high-quality patent creation, optimizing patent layout, and enhancing the market-oriented commercialization of patents.

Liu Changsheng, president of Shanghai University. [Photo/China International Intellectual News]

Liu discussed the integration of scientific research, technology transfer, and talent cultivation in higher education. Shanghai University has established a new development model that combines strategic guidance, micro-level activation, and regional collaboration. The university aims to strengthen IP creation, accelerate technology transfer, and cultivate talent to meet societal needs.

Carsten Fink, chief economist at WIPO. [Photo/China International Intellectual News]

Fink presented the findings of the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) report, noting China's rise to 11th place globally. He highlighted the importance of technology clusters and their role in fostering innovation. The report identified key characteristics of leading clusters, such as diverse patent portfolios, strong technology fields, and robust international partnerships.

Song Liuping, chief legal officer of Huawei Technologies. [Photo/China International Intellectual News]

Song discussed the significance of establishing a robust IP adjudication system in China. He emphasized the need for fair and efficient IP trials to support innovation and economic growth. Song outlined four key areas for IP adjudication: industrial development, innovation, consumer benefits, and globalization.

Sub-Forum Highlights

Sub-Forum 1: IP Services Illuminating New Quality Productive Forces

This sub-forum saw the release of measures aimed at boosting the high-quality development of Shanghai's IP service industry and the signing of a cooperation framework agreement among IP associations from the Yangtze River Delta region. Experts discussed global IP ecosystem opportunities, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the latest developments in the Madrid and Hague systems.

Sub-Forum 2: Platform Empowerment and High-Value Patent Operation

The second sub-forum featured the awarding of the second Yangtze River Delta High-Value Patent Operation Competition and the signing of the first "PCT International Application Fee Compensation Insurance". The establishment of the Shanghai IP Exchange Center's Gansu workstation was also announced, promoting cross-regional technology transfer.

Sub-Forum 3: Strengthening IP Legal Protection

Held in Songjiang district, this sub-forum focused on enhancing IP legal protection to support the development of new quality productive forces. Key initiatives included the launch of the Shanghai IP Protection Center Songjiang Branch and the release of research findings on 6G technology and satellite internet patents.

Sub-Forum 4: IP Data Empowering Innovation Research

Hosted by Tongji University, this sub-forum explored the application of IP data in academic research and industry practice. Experts from leading universities and research institutions shared their insights on leveraging data for innovation.

Source: China International Intellectual News