Thumbs up for China’s wisdom, said a representative at the World Intellectual Property Conference

The 2024 World Intellectual Property Conference, organized by the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, is currently taking place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Marking its inaugural event in China, the conference has drawn representatives from 92 countries and regions. Attendees emphasize that China is deeply engaged in global intellectual property governance, continually contributing Chinese insights and solutions to advance the development of global intellectual property.

Hugh Reeves, a Swiss intellectual property attorney, remarked, “China has a vast number of patent applications. The country places significant emphasis on innovation and technology-driven development, boasting a tremendous international market and playing an increasingly vital role on the global stage.”

Participants observed that more nations are recognizing the importance of innovation and intellectual property as key drivers of growth and opportunity. They noted China’s unwavering commitment to intellectual property protection and its pivotal role in maintaining balanced global IP safeguards.

Oliver Preedy, a UK patent lawyer, shared his perspective: “I believe China plays an extremely important role in intellectual property protection. It is a major source of IP, with numerous inventions, patents, and brands emerging from the country. In the UK, many companies we work with are based in China, and the nation is becoming increasingly significant in the realm of intellectual property.”

Juan Carlos Cuesta, a Colombian patent attorney, noted, “China has signed numerous agreements, including international treaties, to protect intellectual property. This reflects not only a commitment to safeguarding domestic IP but also an acknowledgment of the respect and protection for foreign IP rights. Additionally, China has made significant advancements in the laws governing patent and trademark infringement, creating a rapidly evolving legal landscape.”

The conference will focus on multiple key topics related to intellectual property, with discussions aimed at refining draft resolutions that, once thoroughly debated and voted on, will become central outcomes to promote the development of the global intellectual property governance system.