WIPO China: WIPO Assistant Director General Attended the International Symposium on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions

Quanzhou, November 27--The "International Symposium on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions," co-organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), was successfully convened. Mr. Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General of WIPO, Mr. Wang Zhicheng, Director General of the Copyright Department of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Mr. Chen Tiangui, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Director General of the Fujian Provincial Copyright Administration, and Mr. Liu Linshuang, Head of the Publicity Department the CPC Quanzhou Municipal Committee, attended and addressed the event.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kwakwa stated that Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) are integral to the cultural and social identity of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, ethnic groups, and nations, encompassing diverse forms such as music, dance, art and designs, signs and symbols, rituals, and handicrafts. He stressed that the protection of TCEs is crucial for stimulating creativity, preserving cultural diversity, and safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage.

He further noted the significant progress in legislative and policy development in this field by countries and regional organizations in recent years. Among these efforts, China, with its wealth of TCEs, has undertaken active measures to protect them through the intellectual property system. He specifically mentioned the widespread admiration for Dehua white porcelain at the WIPO General Assembly in July and the local practices demonstrated during the Symposium's study visits, which serve as valuable examples globally. He also acknowledged the historic achievement of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge concluded last year after 25 years of negotiation, pointing out that subsequent consultations on an international legal instrument for TCEs will continue.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Kwakwa commended the outcomes of the Symposium. He stated that the meeting featured in-depth discussions on key issues for TCEs, including the scope of protection and legal principles. The practical experiences shared by various countries demonstrated how IP tools can effectively safeguard the authenticity of TCEs, prevent their misuse, and support community development. The Symposium successfully facilitated the exchange of practices, deepened the understanding of the interface between IP and TCEs, and provided practical inputs for the upcoming negotiations of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) in March 2026.

In his address, Mr. Wang Zhicheng highlighted that China is exploring new pathways for preserving and passing on folklore through pilot copyright protection initiatives and industrial integration. He put forward proposals focusing on four key areas: enhancing protection, promoting integration, nurturing talent, and deepening cooperation, thereby contributing China's approach to the global safeguarding efforts.

Mr. Chen Tiangui highlighted that Fujian's pilot program in Quanzhou's Licheng District has developed a working model for registering works, supervising rights, and sharing benefits. He stated that these measures provide a significant reference for the global protection of folklore.

Mr. Liu Linshuang stated in his address that Quanzhou will continue to advance the "Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) + Copyright + Industry" development model. The city is committed to building a Maritime Silk Road digital cultural copyright brand, aiming to contribute to the global protection of folklore through its local practices.

Over 300 participants from 12 countries, including government officials, TCEs holders, and industry and academic representatives, attended the Symposium.