Seminar: legislative developments of patents in China

On 12 June, the EPO joined the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and IP Key China in hosting a seminar on the latest legislative developments in China's patent landscape. The online event drew a broad mix of patent professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, examiners, young professionals and students. It offered a comprehensive overview of the recent changes in Chinese patent law and outlined their implications for global intellectual property strategies. 

Christoph Ernst, EPO Vice-President Legal and International Affairs opened the seminar with a keynote address. He spoke on the role of IP in addressing the emerging issues and opportunities arising from rapid changes in technology, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and green energy. The Vice-President also discussed the importance of a shared vision between IP offices and outlined future collaboration with CNIPA: “We remain committed to continue and enhance our co-operation in the coming years, and to explore new areas of collaboration that reflect the evolving needs and expectations of our users and stakeholders”. 

Echoing these sentiments, CNIPA Director General Qian Mengshan highlighted the importance of EPO as a strategic partner for CNIPA and the successful cooperation over the years. 

Highlights and key updates 

During the event, attendees were presented with several important developments and initiatives: 

• Chinese patent law: Experts from CNIPA delivered detailed presentations on the latest amendments, effective January 2024. These changes aim to strengthen patent protection, enhance the quality and efficiency of patent examinations and foster a more innovation-friendly environment. 

• EPO-CNIPA International Search Authority (ISA) pilot project: This project, which has been extended until December 2026, supports inventors based in China in securing protection for their inventions in Europe. The success of this initiative is evident, with 440 companies in China actively participating and benefiting from it.  

• Q&A: Participants engaged in chat-forum Q&A conducted in both Chinese and English, allowing for an inclusive and interactive dialogue. 

The seminar underscored the value of continuous dialogue and international co-operation between patent offices and stakeholders. As the global patent landscape evolves, such events play a critical role in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.