The EU and China exchanged new developments and challenges in strengthened IP protection system at CIPAC
On 13 September 2024, the Seminar on New Developments and Challenges in Strengthened IP Protection System in the EU and China took place in Beijing, China, under the China Intellectual Property Annual Conference (CIPAC). The event, organised by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in the context of the EU-funded project IP Key China, and the Intellectual Property Publishing House (IPPH) under the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), was held at the Zhongguancun Innovation Center. More than 60 participants from more than 30 organisations (representatives from EU Member States, international organisations, policy authorities and industries from both regions), gathered to share insights and exchange practical experiences.
The seminar began with opening remarks from Antonio Berengue Reguant, Deputy Director of the Cooperation and Partnerships Department at the EUIPO, Benoit Misonne, IP Attaché at the EU Delegation to China, and MAO Jinsheng, Grade I Inspector, IP Protection Department from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
Mr Berengue Reguant highlighted during his speech the strategic partnership with CNIPA and the importance of China in the global IP horizon. He highlighted the potential for exchange in a number of areas where both the EU and China face similar issues, including the impact of new technologies and AI, the inclusiveness of the IP system, in particular as regards women, youth and SMEs, the importance of creating an ecosystems conducive to innovation and protection of IP, including IP backed finance as well as of the importance of cooperation on enforcement matters, including on ecommerce.
Mr Misonne noted that the EU and China have a long history of collaboration in this field, and today’s seminar is yet another opportunity to build on that. As IP rights continue to evolve in response to globalization and new technologies, our shared responsibility is to establish synchronized mechanisms that protect innovations and promote fair competition.
Mr MAO expressed that the Chinese government places great emphasis on strengthening IP protection, and in recent years, China has made significant strides in building a more efficient and robust system. Moving forward, CNIPA remains committed to enhancing innovation, ensuring strict IP protection, and contributing to high-quality development
Following the opening session, the seminar featured two panel discussions focusing on the latest developments and challenges in IP protection.
Panel 1: New Developments in Strengthened IP Protection System in the EU and China
Moderated by Gyta Berasnevičiūtė-Singh, project leader of IP Key China, this session delved into recent advancements in IP protection across both regions. Distinguished speakers from the CNIPA, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and the Wan Hui Da Law Firm shared insights on the evolving IP landscape, followed by a Q & A session.
Panel 2: New Challenges to IP Protection Posed by Technological Developments
Mr. YANG Guoxin from the CNIPA led the second panel, addressing the emerging challenges to IP protection arising from technological advancements. Speakers from the Internet Copyright Industry Research Base, National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), the Intellectual Property Court of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC), the IPR Working Group of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) and the Strategic Planning Department of the CNIPA discussed the impact of these developments, focusing on IP data protection issues. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a Q & A session following the panel discussion.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks, delivered by Davide Follador, First Secretary of the EU Delegation to China, who summarised the key takeaways from the discussions, emphasising the importance of continued international exchanges between the two regions.
This event served as a platform for stakeholders in Europe and China to maintain close communication on strengthening IP protection considering new developments and challenges.