2025 IP Key China Annual Stakeholders Event Strengthens EU-China Exchanges on IP

On 10 September 2025, the IP Key China Annual Stakeholders Event took place in Beijing and online, bringing together leading experts and stakeholders from the European Union and China for a high-level exchange on intellectual property (IP).

The gathering was organised by the IP Key China Phase II project, financed by the European Union and implemented by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Key representatives from the EU side  included João Negrão, Executive Director of EUIPO,  Agata Gerba, Head of Unit responsible for IP matters at the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission and Marjut Hannonen, Minister Counsellor and Head of Trade Section at the EU Delegation to China. It aimed at highlighting the project’s achievements over the past three years and continued need for further exchanges on IP protection and enforcement. Other participants included representatives from the European Commission, EU Delegation in Beijing, EUIPO, CPVO, as well as EU Member States, key Chinese authorities, industry associations, the private sector, and academia.

Highlights of the Event

• Opening remarks were delivered by representative of DG Trade, who noted: [Today’s event is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the IP Key China program, strengthen EU-China IP technical exchanges, and explore new opportunities to address emerging challenges and support rights holders], setting the tone for constructive dialogue and exchange.
   
• Project results were presented by Gyta Berasnevičiūtė-Singh, Project Lead of IP Key China, showcasing significant milestones and impactful achievements under Phase II.
   
• Panel 1: Enhancing the IP Ecosystem Through International Collaboration — The discussion explored recent reforms, digitalisation initiatives, strategic priorities, and global IP enforcement challenges.
  • [The panel was moderated by Benoit Misonne, IP Attaché at the Delegation of the European Union to China. Panellists included JI Dengbo, Deputy Director, Department of Regulations and Laws, CNIPA; Prof. LIN Xiuqin, Dean of the Intellectual Property Research Institute, Xiamen University; BAI Yajun, Vice Chair of the IPR Working Group, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC); and Antoine Thissandier, IP Counsellor of the French Embassy. The discussion stressed that while China and the EU have made progress with reforms and digitalisation initiatives, global IP enforcement remains a pressing challenge. Stronger international collaboration, enhanced platform accountability, and better coordination between right holders, regulators, and enforcement bodies were highlighted as priorities. The panel agreed that robust enforcement and deeper global collaboration are essential to build a transparent, resilient, and innovation-friendly IP ecosystem.
     
• Panel 2: Navigating the IP Landscape in the Era of Emerging Technologies — Experts examined how emerging technologies such as AI and online marketplaces are reshaping IP creation, protection, and enforcement.
  • Moderated by Dr. Roberto Escarré, Activity Coordinator of IP Key China, the panel featured Judge TONG Shu, Presiding Judge of the IPR Division, Supreme People’s Court of China (SPC); Prof. GUO He, Associate Dean of the Intellectual Property Academy, Renmin University of China; Felicia Melli, Partner and Head of the Anti-Counterfeiting Department & Shanghai Office at Ferrante Intellectual Property; and Lauri Rechardt, Chief Legal Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The discussion concluded that, while existing legal frameworks remain broadly adequate, stronger enforcement, clearer platform accountability, and deeper international cooperation are vital to address the intellectual property challenges posed by emerging technologies.

In his closing remarks, João Negrão, stated: “IPKey China plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of today’s evolving IP landscape. Through targeted cooperation, it supports the development of China’s IP ecosystem – promoting transparency, strengthening enforcement, and enabling trade and investment within a fair, balanced, and predictable framework”, reinforcing the importance of EU-China engagement in addressing IP challenges and opportunities.

Annual Stakeholders event once again demonstrated the value of sustained EU-China exchanges in addressing both current and emerging IP issues in an evolving global environment. The event highlighted the significant achievements of the IP Key China project in strengthening cooperation, harmonizing IP practices, and supporting both European and Chinese businesses. Key conclusions emphasized the importance of predictable, transparent, and user-focused IP systems, as well as the need for continued collaboration to address emerging challenges, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, green innovation, and inclusive IP practices. Looking ahead, next steps include deepening strategic engagement under the IP Alliance framework, and fostering practical solutions that enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of IP protection and enforcement across borders.  The event also marked the closing of the current phase of the IP Key China project, setting the scene for the new upcoming project.

IP Key China is a collaborative project funded by the European Union and implemented by the EUIPO, EU implementing authority of international projects on IP (including Latin America, South-East Asia, Africa or Eastern Europe). It supports the dialogue between the EU and China on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR), working closely with government agencies, industry, academia, and other stakeholders. The project delivers technical and policy exchange activities aimed at fostering a transparent, effective, and balanced IP environment for the benefit of IP right holders and businesses in the EU and China.