Experts call for closer ties between China, UK
Intellectual property framework must adapt and cooperation the best method, says chief
Experts from China and the United Kingdom called for increased cooperation in intellectual property at a recent symposium in Beijing.
"The event is an opportunity to explore ideas of how we can improve and adapt together, so we may build a strong, harmonized and responsive intellectual property framework for the future," said Tim Moss, CEO of the UK's Intellectual Property Office. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth China-UK Intellectual Property Symposium last Friday.
The event attracted 130 people, including officials, scholars and corporate executives from both countries.
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A vending machine for medicine is launched in Shanghai in July. The machine was developed by a company from a Sino-UK healthcare industrial zone in Tianjin. Provided to China Daily |
According to the National Intellectual Property Administration, it and IPO have enjoyed cooperative relationships in various respects since 1996. These include high-level visits, talent exchanges and services for enterprises.
"China and the UK are important partners," said Shen Changyu, commissioner of NIPA. "We look forward to working with the UK to strengthen cooperation in the IP industry and boost common development."
At the symposium, guests exchanged insights into IP protection, innovation, new technology reform and the latest developments in the two countries' IP-related industries.
Representatives delivered speeches and exchanged views on topics such as staff training, innovation development and trademark protection.
Hu Anqi, deputy director of the Treaty and Law Department at NIPA, introduced the latest amendments in China's patent and trademark laws.
The revised Trademark Law, which came into effect on Nov 1, clarifies the handling for malicious trademark registration, increases punishment for malicious trademark infringement and describes standards of behavior for agencies.
The Patent Law draft amendment passed the first deliberation of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. In February, the phase of collecting public comments ended.
"We will continue to improve the legal system for IP protection and improve law enforcement," Hu said. She added that she believed these efforts can promote innovation development and help to create a friendly business environment.
IPO is sparing no efforts to work on digital transformation, which will streamline the application process, enhance efficiency and bring convenience to the public, according to Liam Hynes, deputy director for international policy at the IPO.
Moss also announced a China-UK business environment program at the symposium.
The program, which will be launched later this month, is intended to create more opportunities for international business to contribute to and benefit from China's economic growth.
The IP strand of the project will include the establishment of an IP knowledge center and strengthening judicial communication.
zhanglinwan@chinadaily.com
(China Daily 11/07/2019 page17)
