IP scene

Beijing

Thousands of plant variety applications

By the end of 2018, China had received more than 3,700 applications for new plant varieties from home and abroad, according to data from the State Administration of Forestry and Grassland. In total, some 1,760 have been granted, including more than 400 issued last year. Before 2018, Chinese applicants took the lion's share in new plant varieties granted in the country, accounting for 86.16 percent. Foreign filers were from 10 countries, with Germany ranked first, followed by the Netherlands and France.China Green Times

Shandong

Microsoft launches technology portal

Tech giant Microsoft launched a public service platform focusing on artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies in Qingdao on March 20. The first of its kind in the country, the portal is aimed at supporting the local AI and VR industries. The launch joins with the city's drive to advance AI in manufacturing. The Qingdao government has rolled out a series of policies to attract high-quality professionals, foster high-tech startup businesses and promote financial technology services in a bid to spur the growth of the advanced manufacturing industry.

Science and Technology Daily

Jiangsu

Fish-catching birds to perform at lake

A traditional fishing approach featuring trained birds is presented every weekend at Slender West Lake, a UNESCO world heritage site in Yangzhou, from mid-March to early May. In ancient China, fishers trained cormorants to help them catch fish at the lake. There are less than 500 cormorants capable of catching fish in Yangzhou and the traditional technique, which has been ranked among intangible cultural heritage, is in danger of extinction, according to an official. The performance is expected to add to the charm of Slender West Lake and showcase the tradition, he added.

JSChina.com.cn

Fujian

Expo to showcase brands, promote culture

An international brand expo revolving around the theme of the Maritime Silk Road is scheduled to be held in Quanzhou on April 18-21. The event is expected to attract countries related to the maritime trade route, starting from Quanzhou, to showcase their brands and culture. The 26,000-square-meter venue will house 700 exhibition booths, according to organizers. During the expo, a tourism and cultural industry forum will take place to promote trade and cultural cooperation among the countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road, they added.

China Intellectual Property News

Tibet

Government aid on offer to inventors

The Tibet autonomous region's intellectual property administration has announced a patentee sponsorship program. In March, organizations or individuals from Tibet can apply for government aid up to 1,000 yuan ($150) for each patent granted to them either in China or abroad last year. The government will prioritize overseas patents filed via the Patent Cooperation Treaty and high-tech patented inventions with major market prospects, which are in line with Tibet's industrial development plan, local officials said.

Tibet Business Daily

(China Daily 03/28/2019 page17)