The 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress Successfully Held in Hangzhou: A New Chapter for Global IP and Innovation
From October 19 to 22, 2024, the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) hosted its World Intellectual Property Congress in the historic and culturally rich city of Hangzhou, China. This marked the first time in AIPPI’s 127-year history that the World IP Congress was held in China, making it a significant event not only for Hangzhou but for the entire country. It presented a unique opportunity for China to showcase its growing influence and achievements in intellectual property.
Background and Importance of the Congress Founded in 1897, AIPPI is a non-profit international organization dedicated to the development and advancement of intellectual property rights worldwide. Each year, the AIPPI Congress brings together IP experts and representatives from around the globe to discuss key issues and challenges in the field. The theme of this year's congress was "Balanced Protection of IP and Innovation Development," which focused on how to protect intellectual property while fostering innovation and economic growth.
Hosting this year’s congress in China reflects the international community’s recognition of China’s remarkable progress in IP development. Moreover, it offered China a platform to engage with the global IP community, showcasing its contributions and the ongoing evolution of its intellectual property systems.
Key Highlights and Activities
The 2024 AIPPI Congress attracted 2,259 attendees from 92 countries and regions, with over 1,500 international participants. This was the largest AIPPI Congress ever held outside of Europe, both in terms of total attendees and the diversity of countries represented.
The congress featured a wide range of events, including an opening ceremony, welcome reception, national and regional president meetings, plenary sessions, thematic forums, an Executive Committee meeting, IP bureau directors’ luncheon, live court hearings on patent infringement cases, and a cultural night. The discussion topics spanned all key areas of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.
Notably, the China-themed forum, a major highlight of the congress, invited Chinese government officials and judges to share the latest developments in China’s IP examination and protection processes. Participants also had the unique opportunity to observe live court hearings on patent infringement cases at the Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court, providing insight into the rigor and professionalism of China’s judicial protection system.
Hangzhou’s IP Development and City Appeal
Hangzhou, the host city, has garnered significant attention for its achievements in the intellectual property space. In recent years, Hangzhou has fostered internationally competitive IP companies and brands, establishing a robust system for IP protection and services. The city’s successful hosting of the AIPPI Congress further underscored its role as a leading center for IP innovation.
Beyond intellectual property, Hangzhou captivated participants with its cultural and scenic allure. From the picturesque beauty of West Lake to the city’s vibrant tech and entrepreneurial scene, Hangzhou seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, leaving a lasting impression on its visitors.
Conclusion and Outlook
The successful conclusion of the 2024 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress not only provided new insights into global IP protection and innovation development but also reinforced China’s growing prominence in the global intellectual property landscape. As a result of the congress, participants gained a deeper understanding of China’s IP policies and practices, paving the way for further international cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
