By Chen Miaolin
Hangzhou will host the 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress from Oct 19 to 22, marking the first time the event will be hosted in China in AIPPI’s 127-year history, underscoring the international community’s recognition of China’s significant progress in IP rights.
The theme of this year’s congress is the protection and innovative development of intellectual property (IP) rights. The congress is expected to foster cooperation between Chinese and international IP industries.
Yu Jianlong, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and AIPPI, said that the event is anticipated to be notable for its high number of participants, wide variety of activities, and strong presence of Chinese elements.
The congress is expected to attract a record number of attendees, with 2,259 registered participants from 92 countries and regions. Over 1,500 participants are from abroad, also a record high for AIPPI congresses. The congress will feature a diverse range of activities, including an opening ceremony, a welcome reception, thematic forums and court sessions where patent infringement cases will be heard, covering such topics as patents, trademarks and copyrights in the IP sector.
Over 700 Chinese IP professionals have registered for the event. The Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court will conduct a patent infringement case trial, with some international participants signed up to observe, offering a close look at the professionalism and authority of China’s IP judicial protection. A dedicated Chinese forum will feature government officials and judges discussing the latest developments in China’s IP examination and protection.
Xu Weihua, Hangzhou’s Deputy Mayor, stated that to ensure the smooth operation and service of the AIPPI congress, a dedicated team has been established. The city is leveraging digital and smart city applications, such as mobile payments, to integrate the latest technological achievements throughout the event, promoting exchanges and cooperation between Hangzhou and the international IP community, and amplifying the congress’s outcomes.
“The AIPPI World Congress will take place during the most beautiful season in Hangzhou,” said Xu, “and we aim to deliver a high-standard, professional event that showcases the Chinese vision, Hangzhou’s unique charm, and its global influence.”