China, ASEAN IP Heads Enhance Cooperation at The 13th Gathering

The 13th China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heads of IP Offices Meeting was held both online and offline on August 24. Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), led the Chinese delegation to the meeting chaired by Rowel S. Barba, Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the Rotating Chairperson of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation, and attended by the ASEAN Secretariat and heads of the IP offices of the ASEAN member states.

Shen said China & ASEAN partnership has maintained a robust momentum and laid a pragmatic, wide-range and efficient path. Taking full advantage of the China-ASEAN ties, the Belt and Road Initiative and other cooperation programs, the CNIPA and ASEAN IP offices have implemented the annual working plan, which covers efficient and pragmatic cooperation in IP capacity building, IP protection and use and protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore, contributing to a dynamic IP regional cooperation environment, and benefiting the development of IP work of the countries in the region. He looks forward to executing IP's instrumental role in inspiring innovation and promoting opening-up, enhancing the symbiotic relationship, advocating users' easier access to each other's systems, and working toward the goal of mutual development.

Barba noted that promoting regional economic growth by using IP in the post-pandemic era is the common challenge for all. ASEAN member states and China shall move forward hand in hand, promote mutual understanding, and enhance mutual trust. The ASEAN IP Action Plan 2016-25 is running well. ASEAN member states are willing to work with China to develop IP cooperation in more sectors to promote regional economic growth.

Participants also shared their experience and practice in promoting mutual development in the region in the post-pandemic era, reviewed how 2021-22 China-ASEAN IP Cooperation Working Plan was implemented, discussed and passed the 2022-23 working plan.

The meeting was also attended by the principal officials of CNIPA's relevant departments.(Translated from CNIPA Website Chinese Version)

Source:China Intellectual Property