On October 18, the Intellectual Property Committee of the Hangzhou International Chamber of Commerce was officially established in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. During the launch event, they unveiled the “Belt and Road” Intellectual Property Protection Handbook.

This inaugural edition of the Handbook addresses eight countries: China, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Israel, and Brazil, covering five industries including renewable energy, manufacturing, the internet, retail, and healthcare, totaling over 400,000 words.

Intellectual property is a key element of international competitiveness and a strategic resource in national development. Wang Hongyan, a partner at Zhonglun (Hangzhou) Law Firm and deputy chair of the Committee, emphasized the growing importance of intellectual property protection and data compliance for Chinese companies engaged in international trade and investment.

“Due to the regional nature of intellectual property protection, we have collaborated with foreign law firms to provide strategic advice on patent issues, trademark concerns, trade secrets, unfair competition, and data compliance that Chinese companies need to be aware of when investing overseas or engaging in international trade,” Wang explained.

Looking ahead, the organizers plan to focus on additional countries and popular industries, further expanding the Handbook series.

Frans J.A.M. Greidanus, a special advisor for the Committee and co-director of the Intellectual Property Management Research Institute at Zhejiang University’s School of Management, believes that the Belt and Road Initiative is a significant endeavor by China to drive global economic and social development, where intellectual property protection plays an essential role. He is confident that the Handbook will safeguard legitimate interests for businesses and promote high-quality cooperation along the Belt and Road.