The AIPPI conference is of great significance to the development of China's intellectual property cause

On October 19-22, 2024, the World Intellectual Property Conference of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) was held for the first time in Hangzhou, China. Sun Xiao, spokesman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said at a press conference on Oct 31 that the conference is an important symbol of China's intellectual property development and will leave a deep Chinese imprint in the international intellectual property history. Sun Xiao reviewed the main situation of the congress, pointing out that the 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress is co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and AIPPI, with the theme of "Balanced protection of intellectual property and innovative development". The opening ceremony was unprecedented in scale. AIPPI President Shangyi Okoyama, State Intellectual Property Office Director Shen Changyu, Zhejiang Provincial Party Secretary Yi Lianhong and other speakers delivered speeches, and World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Deng Hongsen delivered a speech via video. During the conference, more than 80 symposia and more than 10 cultural exhibitions and social activities were held, attracting more than 2,300 delegates from 92 countries and regions, including more than 1,500 overseas delegates, which was the largest number of participants outside Europe. Sun Xiao stressed that the conference will have four positive impacts on China's intellectual property cause: 1. The international community has highly recognized China's achievements in IPR protection. Deng Hongsen, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, mentioned that after China joined the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the number of international patent applications increased from about 100 in the mid-1990s to about 70,000 in 2023, ranking first in the world for five consecutive years. 2. China will contribute its wisdom and solutions to global intellectual property governance. The conference discussed hot issues such as patents, trademarks, Copyrights and the exercise of rights, and formed the "2024 AIPPI Hangzhou Resolution", showing the international community's recognition of China's intellectual property cause and highlighting China's important position in the global innovation landscape. 3. China's strength in promoting international IPR cooperation. Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court heard a patent infringement case involving the field of artificial intelligence, demonstrating the professionalism and authority of China's judicial protection of intellectual property. The conference also held activities with Chinese characteristics, such as a China-specific forum and an IP Office interview luncheon, where international people praised China's innovative practices in IPR review and protection. 4. The international intellectual property community has been deeply impressed by China's cultural charm. The artistic performances at the opening ceremony and the live-action performances at the Cultural night showed the participants the achievements of China's modernization drive, especially in the development of new quality productive forces, set off a "Chinese wind" and sent out China's voice in the international intellectual property community.