The 2024 AIPPI World Congress commenced in Hangzhou on October 19, the first time in AIPPI's 127-year history that the global congress has been held in China.

The event, themed "Balanced Protection and Innovative Development of Intellectual Property," is co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and AIPPI, organized by the Hangzhou Municipal Government and AIPPI China. Approximately 2,300 IP professionals from 92 countries and regions attended the conference, including over 1,500 overseas participants.

At the opening ceremony, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter. Xi Jinping stressed that China has always attached great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and has made in-depth headway in building itself into an IPR power. He noted that China has made historic accomplishments in IPR protection and blazed a path of IPR development with Chinese characteristics. China is willing to work with all parties to continue to strengthen cooperation, firmly safeguard the international IPR multilateral system, contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to creating an international environment conducive to innovation and development, make the global IPR governance system more just and reasonable, and contribute China's strength to enhancing the well-being of mankind.

 Zhang Guoqing, Vice Premier of China’s State Council (Source: AIPPI)

Zhang Guoqing, Vice Premier of China’s State Council, addressed at the opening ceremony. Zhang Guoqing reiterated China's dedication to practical and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of IP with other countries, advocating for a multilateral IP system centered on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He called for collaborative efforts to improve international IP rules and standards, aiming to construct a global IP governance framework that is co-consulted, co-built, and shared, so as to ensure the benefits of technological innovation reach more countries and people, thereby enhancing human well-being.

Speeches were also delivered by AIPPI President Shoichi OKUYAMA, WIPO Director General Daren Tang, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) Shen Changyu, and Secretary of Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee Yi Lianhong. The opening ceremony was presided over by CCPIT President Ren Hongbin.

Shoichi OKUYAMA, President of AIPPI (Source: AIPPI)

Shoichi OKUYAMA praised the Chinese government's significant efforts and achievements in domestic IP protection. He attributed the success of this congress to the joint efforts of AIPPI, CCPIT, and the city of Hangzhou, noting that this congress has set a new record for the number of participating countries and regions. Shoichi OKUYAMA highlighted AIPPI's substantial contributions to the international IP ecosystem through its resolutions and encouraged more Chinese members to participate in AIPPI committees. He also emphasized China's rapid growth in IP applications and technological innovation capabilities as well as China’s active efforts on improving its IP protection laws and maintaining positive communication and exchanges with international parties.

Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO (Source: AIPPI)

WIPO Director General Daren Tang, in his video address, stated that more and more countries from all parts of the world are turning to innovation, creativity, and IP to drive growth and create opportunities, therefore, WIPO’s work must also keep pace with the times. Daren Tang also recognized the milestone significance of holding the AIPPI Congress in China and stressed the need for an inclusive and dynamic IP system that brings member countries together to address cutting-edge issues such as artificial intelligence and IP financing.

 Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the CNIPA, (Source: AIPPI)

Shen Changyu highlighted the Chinese government's strong emphasis on IP protection. Noting the deep integration of the new round of technological and industrial revolutions, he underscored the importance of promoting balanced protection of IP to foster common development and strengthen international cooperation. Shen also reaffirmed CNIPA's commitment to building a more dynamic global IP ecosystem, creating a fair and orderly innovation environment, and advancing efficient and user-friendly IP services.

Yi Lianhong, Secretary of Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee (Source: AIPPI) 

Yi Lianhong remarked on Zhejiang Province's continuous efforts to enhance IP strength, leading to significant growth in comprehensive IP development. He expressed hope that the congress would further promote balanced IP protection and innovative development in Zhejiang, aiming to establish the province as a leader in IP protection, creation, and ecosystem optimization.

Ren Hongbin, President of CCPIT (Source: AIPPI)

Ren Hongbin emphasized CCPIT's role in connecting government and enterprises, integrating domestic and international markets, and facilitating supply and demand. He reiterated CCPIT's proactive efforts in advancing high-level openness and supporting high-quality development, contributing wisdom and strength to the global advancement of IP.

The four-day congress includes the opening ceremony, plenary sessions, special forums, and executive committee meetings, featuring nearly 100 professional activities. Over 30 public IP academic activities such as seminars, forums, and luncheons are organized, along with culturally significant events like Westlake Show. The congress also focuses on IP resolution drafts in the areas of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and exercise of rights, with key outcomes formed after thorough discussion and voting.

The AIPPI World Congress is held annually and has become one of the most influential international events in the IP field, with the highest number of participants and the widest range of participating countries and regions. This year's congress, the first in China, reflects the international community's high recognition of China's historic achievements in IP and will enhance Sino-foreign IP exchange and cooperation, contributing Chinese wisdom and proposals to the global IP governance framework.