The World Intellectual Property Conference organized by the Association internationale pour la protection de la propriété intellectuelle (AIPPI) is taking place from October 19 to 22 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, marking the first time this significant event has been held in China since AIPPI was established 127 years ago.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Balancing the Protection of Intellectual Property and Innovative Development,” attracting around 2,300 professionals from the intellectual property sector across 92 countries and regions, including over 1,500 participants from abroad, setting a new record for international representation.

When discussing the conference theme, Hemant Singh, President of the AIPPI India Chapter, emphasized that intellectual property exists for the benefit of humanity and encompasses a certain level of monopoly rights. He pointed out the necessity of balancing the legal rights granted to IP holders with the broader access to knowledge products for all people.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s 2024 Global Innovation Index, China has improved its ranking, moving up one position to 11th in global innovation, with the number of top 100 technology innovation clusters reaching 26, maintaining its leading position for two consecutive years.

Hemant added that China is a significant player in the field of intellectual property and has the potential to lead the world in IP protection and enforcement, with innovators and investors expressing strong confidence in the country.

The conference agenda encompasses various aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and design rights, featuring in-depth discussions organized in over 30 seminars, forums, and academic events that cover specific industries, diverse jurisdictions, and different stages of IP protection.

Innovation drives development, and protecting intellectual property is pivotal to safeguarding that innovation. As new rounds of technological and industrial revolutions unfold, new subjects of intellectual property, such as data and algorithms, are emerging.

Eleen Keenan-O’Malley, a commercial IP lawyer from the UK focusing on AI, believes that China is at the forefront of AI development. “I’m eager to exchange innovative approaches to IP protection with my colleagues from Asia,” she remarked.

On the eve of the conference, the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court publicly heard a case related to “AI digital humans” and patent infringement, attended by nearly a hundred participants from the AIPPI gathering.

“Whether it’s the adjudication of patent disputes or the stunning cityscape outside, these reflect China’s significant progress,” AIPPI President Kenichi Okuyama stated during an interview, noting the increasing number of Chinese members within AIPPI and affirming the appropriateness of hosting the conference in China.

The event is jointly hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and AIPPI, with the Hangzhou Municipal Government and the China Chapter of AIPPI serving as organizers.