What they say

China is on a good way to implement a fully fledged IP protection system, not only patents, but also trademarks, designs, copyright, etc. I learned here this week that the Chinese patent system is supported from the highest State authority; the full administration is supporting patent protection. This is the best basis for a good system and for a wealthy economy. The challenge is that everything is so huge and (happening) so fast. And the patent offices have to speed up also. They have to deliver their services and procedures and so on, to meet the expectations from the public, from the inventors and innovators.

Raimund Lutz, vice-president of the European Patent Office

The conference was widely followed. Many people have come here. There is progress, but none of the speakers have discussed problems that still exist. There are still problems in enforcement, mainly in online enforcement which the European businesses are very concerned about. In the future, some more efforts have to be made, for example, with regard to anti-counterfeiting. The EU is very helpful and could do more things and establish more cooperation with Chinese authorities.

Gunther Marten, IP attach�� of the European Union Intellectual Property Office

The Ministry of Industry and Handicraft of Cambodia is responsible for the country's patent-related affairs. On behalf of the Cambodian government, the ministry has taken part in the construction of an intellectual property cooperation platform for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to carry out various forms of cooperation with other countries and regions in the IP sector. Last year, it signed an agreement with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, so that patents granted by China can be protected in Cambodia as well without examinations. Over the 40 years of reform and opening-up, China has made remarkable progress in IP and we will further enhance cooperation with China in the sector.

Cham Prasidh, minister of industry and handicraft of Cambodia

The intellectual property rights system, which takes patent as its core part, is an important guarantee for encouraging innovation, protecting inventions, promoting utilizations of scientific and technological achievements and realizing market-oriented allocation of innovation resources. Further enhancing IP protection with more effective measures is one of China's major responsibilities and also meets the requirements of the country's own internal development. China has upgraded IP protection into a national strategy, strengthening it from the aspects of policy, strategy, legislation and law enforcement. It has made laws governing patents, trademarks, copyrights and anti-unfair competition, and carried out a number of modifications to meet the needs of innovation-driven development.

Li Meng, vice-minister of science and technology

Over the last two and three years, I have seen the spring of intellectual property protection in China has come. IP-related cases courts received have increased, along with a strengthened protection system from the authority. The China Patent Annual Conference, as an event with the largest scale in the segment of IP, attracted a massive audience. Almost all the forums were crowded with people. It shows Chinese people have begun to care more about IP protection. We've got a chance to share insights about how to generate, use and protect IP, so there is definitely much to learn.

Liu Huajun, researcher at Fudan University

Intellectual property rights nowadays no longer serve just as a support department in companies and also are no longer a small concept for countries that merely need protection and fees. They play an increasingly important role in promoting corporate innovative development and in the process of entire social changes. When I first learned IP rights at college, they were introduced as intangible assets by our teacher. IP rights are not like bullet trains that people can see and touch, but they indeed serve as a continuous driving force for China's economy and development, and to promote progress of all Chinese companies.

Liang Zhixiang, vice-president of internet giant Baidu

(China Daily 09/06/2018 page17)