Frontier Chinese technology benefits global intellectual property system: WIPO

China

Frontier Chinese technology benefits global intellectual property system: WIPO

2024-11-10 16:02 Last Updated At：11-11 00:57

Frontier Chinese technologies are having a profound impact on the global intellectual property system, a leading official with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) said during the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.

On November 6, the forum held its Parallel Session of International Cooperation in Protecting IPR and Fighting against IPR Infringement and Counterfeiting at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Edward Kwakwa, WIPO assistant director general, said that in the fast-developing landscape of emerging technologies, the intellectual property ecosystem is facing many challenges, including how to engage young individuals in the intellectual property system and establish widespread respect for intellectual property across society.

Intellectual property governance is also key realizing the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, as innovators need to know their patents will be protected globally.

The assistant director-general called for enhanced negotiation and cooperation among the international community.

"It's clear the one thing driving the intellectual property ecosystem is, let's say, frontier technologies. But these frontier technologies include artificial intelligence, they include blockchain, they include the Internet of Things. In WIPO, what we are trying to do is trying to use these frontier technologies to meet some of the challenges we have in this day and age, as we have established what we call a conversation on artificial intelligence. So through these conversations involving all our 193 member states, they come together to share experiences and to discuss how best the international community can tackle these areas," he said.

During the forum, WIPO lauded China for its accomplishments in intellectual property protection.

The 2024 Global Innovation Index report, released by WIPO, revealed China's continued rise in global innovation rankings, moving up to 11th position.

"China now is the top user of our registration system in patents. China is also the second when it comes to trademarks and then when it comes to designs, very active, so China has become probably one of the most important of our 193 member states. And what the government of China is doing in China is having very important effect on the global intellectual property system," said Kwakwa.

The Hongqiao International Economic Forum is an important part of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) that is running from Tuesday to Sunday.

The 7th CIIE, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions this year. The event also marks a significant milestone with the participation of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry players from around the world.

ECB president calls for readiness in addressing challenges to international order

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has emphasized the need for readiness in tackling the challenges to the international order, which she believes will be a long-term issue for the world.

In an exclusive interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ongoing 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, Lagarde highlighted that the recent global developments and the geopolitical uncertainties are hindering economic progress and impacting people's lives.

"Whenever there is war in the world, and there is plenty of that at the moment, it is a break on economic development, it is a break on growth, and obviously it is affecting the life of people," said Lagarde.

Speaking at a discussion panel at the forum, the ECB president said "The curtain is rising on a new world order," where global cooperation, free trade, and the U.S. leadership are being replaced by a more fragmented landscape.

Regarding this new order, She told CGTN that it presents a long-term challenge that requires preparation.

"The challenge to the international order, which is a longer-term issue, which requires that we prepare ourselves, and that maybe we change the way in which we operate, is a more medium and long-term issue," said Lagarde.

With the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 annual meeting of WEF meeting opened on Monday and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts from around the world are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.