WIPO China: Focusing on Global Innovation Trends and IP Talent Development

Shenzhen, August 18, 2025 - The WIPO-China Summer School, jointly organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), officially opened today in Shenzhen. The two-week program is one of several WIPO-China Summer School sessions held in China in 2025. Ms. Liu Hua, Director of the WIPO Office in China (WOC), Mr. Gao Song, President of SYSU, Mr. Chen Xinlie, Director General of the Guangdong Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Guangdong Provincial Intellectual Property Office), Mr. Chan Yaodong, Deputy Secretary General of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

In her remarks, Ms. Liu Hua pointed out that the world is experiencing profound transformations driven by two major innovation waves: the “digital innovation wave” centered on AI and the metaverse, and the “deep science wave” driven by biotechnology and nanotechnology. These waves are driving three global innovation trends: First, thriving innovation activities. Global intangible assets reach nearly USD 80 trillion, with knowledge and data becoming core economic assets. Second, accelerating digital transformation. Digital technology patents grew 170% over five years, while AI patents surged 700%, upgrading industries and creative economy. China's original IP influence continues strengthening globally. Third, eastward shift in innovation landscape. Asia, Africa, and Latin America account for 70% of global patent applications, with Asia demonstrating outstanding performance, driving continued shift of the global innovation center. She further noted that China’s IP system continues improving, with public satisfaction reaching a historic high in 2024. Chinese enterprises have won WIPO Global Awards for four consecutive years. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has become a major global innovation hub, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou technology cluster ranking second globally among top 100 science & technology clusters, and Shenzhen leading China in PCT filings for 21 consecutive years.

Ms. Liu provided a detailed introduction to WIPO’s five-pillar architecture for building the international intellectual property (IP) system. Regarding policy platforms, WIPO leads development of a balanced global IP ecosystem, promoting policy coordination through consensus-building, with particular focus on emerging issues like generative AI patent eligibility and copyright protectability. In terms of registration systems, WIPO provides “file once, protect in multiple countries” services through PCT, Madrid, and Hague systems, plus professional alternative dispute resolution services for cross-border rights enforcement. For database platforms, WIPO offers extensive free data resources including PATENTSCOPE database, Global Brand Database, Global Design Database, and WIPO Lex legal information database, supporting global innovation with free information retrieval. Regarding international cooperation platforms, WIPO focuses on Global South development needs, promoting global innovation cooperation through Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) and WIPO GREEN platform, enabling shared benefits from IP development. In terms of capacity building, WIPO collaborates with universities and professional institutions worldwide through joint master’s programs, summer schools, and online courses to cultivate next-generation IP leaders.

During the interactive session, Ms. Liu provided detailed responses to participants’ questions about AI-generated content protection, patent database usage, and international IP dispute resolution. She encouraged participants to actively engage in WIPO’s various education, training, and career development programs for young people, to expand their international perspectives, enhance professional capabilities, and lay a solid foundation for future career development.

On August 19, WOC Counsellor Ms. Deng Yuhua delivered a lecture titled “Developments in the International Copyright System”. She reviewed the evolution of international copyright treaties, analyzed the impact of emerging technologies like AI on copyright, and outlined WIPO’s strategic responses and shared relevant cases from China and other countries.

At the opening ceremony, other experts also delivered excellent remarks: Mr. Gao Song introduced Sun Yat-sen University’s achievements in IP education and international cooperation; Mr. Chen Xinlie emphasized IP’s crucial role in innovation and high-quality development; and Mr. Chan Yaodong reviewed China-foreign IP cooperation history while affirming Shenzhen’s achievements in innovation and IP protection. As the final stop of the 2025 WIPO Summer School, this program leveraged Shenzhen’s geographical and innovation advantages, attracting 307 young participants from 26 countries and regions and 17 internationally renowned experts. The event created a cross-cultural exchange platform for global youth, fostering international IP talent development and injecting new vitality into global IP governance.