What they say

China Daily | Updated: 2018-08-29 07:44

Intellectual property is at the heart of the innovation ecosystem that has given rise to the digital economy. It allows innovators to reap the rewards from their investments in creating digital technologies and content. It also creates markets for technologies and content, helping to spread the benefits of the digital economy. As other groundbreaking innovations have done throughout history, digital technologies pose a number of challenges to the IP system. Managing the sheer volume of IP rights is one (of those challenges). Defining the boundaries of what can be protected by different forms of IP is another.

Carsten Fink, chief economist, Economics and Statistics Division, WIPO

It is a pleasure for me to participate in the 2018 High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property for Countries Along the Belt and Road. I consider the main issues to be promoted under the Belt and Road Initiative shall concern strengthening IP cooperation among the B&R countries and boosting their economies. This can be achieved through extensive exchange of best practices and joint studies in various areas, including capacity building, training of IP specialists and examiners, raising public IP awareness, etc. Another important point of focus shall be creating a favorable environment for innovation activities. In particular, the B&R countries may discuss optimal strategies for developing efficient patent procedures and diversifying services offered to applicants by IP offices.

Liubov Kiriy, deputy head, Federal Service for Intellectual Property of Russia (Rospatent), Russian Federation

IP rights are territorial, but innovative enterprises operate across borders. The conference provides a good platform where decision-makers can come together to learn, discuss and work with one another to support our innovators and entrepreneurs. We also welcome the conference theme of inclusiveness, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. IP is unique because as an intangible asset, it can be used by others without any loss to the original innovator - if the right IP strategies are put in place. We therefore look forward to the discussions on the various projects to promote greater IP collaboration among Belt and Road countries.

Daren Tang, chief executive of Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)

Intellectual property generally protects innovative knowledge. So, inventions concerning relics and tradition such as new formula in TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine, can apply for protection of patent. Folk art such as paper cutting can be protected by copyright. The key point is making full use of current international agreements. Under the format, China and other countries can discuss the next step to promote mutual development and progress.