2024 AIPPI World Congress opens in Hangzhou

The 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress, themed "Balanced protection and innovative development of IP rights," opened in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province on Saturday.

The four-day event is co-organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the AIPPI. Discussions will center around four key draft resolutions on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and rights enforcement.

The annual international gathering on intellectual property protection is being held in China for the first time in the organization's 127-year history, reflecting the international community's recognition of China's achievements in the development of intellectual property in recent years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a congratulatory letter to the 2024 AIPPI World Congress, emphasizing China's strong commitment to intellectual property rights protection. Xi stated that China is willing to collaborate with all parties to further strengthen cooperation, offering Chinese insights and solutions to foster an international environment conducive to innovation and development.

"It's very encouraging, the remarks we heard today in the speeches. It's the first time this event is in China [and] it gives China the opportunity to educate the world on how China is improving its IP environment and to integrate more into the international community," said Ahmed G. Abou Ali, president of the Egyptian Association for the Protection of IP.

This year's event brings together more than 2,000 IP leaders and experts from 92 countries and regions, emphasizing professionalism and diversity with over 30 seminars and forums. There will be in-depth discussions on IP protection in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.

A major highlight is the dedicated China session, showcasing the nation's latest developments and historic achievements in IP examination and protection, sharing China's insights with the world.

"China is now the leader in filing of many IP rights, patents, design rights. What led us here is impressive, I think the level will be held. I think China will continue to play a leading role in global IP rights," said Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Freischem, secretary general of the German Association for GRUR.

This year's AIPPI World Congress will also foster exchange and cooperation between the Chinese and international intellectual property communities, marking a new starting point for China's further participation in global intellectual property governance.

A mare and its foal were spotted galloping through the shallow waters of Manas national wetland park, a protected nature reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Footage shows the young horse following closely behind its mother as the pair moved freely through the lush wetlands, with the clear waters reaching up to their knees.

Manas and other wetlands in Xinjiang have newly emerged in recent years result of extensive ecological restoration efforts. Situated near the the border of Gurbantunggut Desert and Taklimakan Desert, the wetlands act as important ecological shelters for local wildlife and safeguarding the biodiversity and oases in the region.