CPA Successfully Hosts Shanghai Reception of INTA 2024 Annual Meeting

On 26 March 2024, the Shanghai reception of INTA's 2024 annual meeting hosted by China Patent Agent (H.K.) Ltd. (CPA) was successfully held. INTA (International Trademark Association) CEO Mr. Etienne Sanz de Acedo, Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration (SIPA) deputy director general Mr. Yu Chen, and CPA general manager Mr. Wu Yuhe were present and delivered speeches. The reception was moderated by CPA deputy general manager Mr. Hu Gang. Over a hundred industry experts and practitioners from home and overseas gathered to discuss and exchange views on the latest intellectual property (IP) trends and developments.

CPA deputy general manager Mr. Hu Gang moderated the reception.

In the opening remarks, INTA CEO Mr. Sanz de Acedo thanked CPA, as a close partner of INTA, for organising the reception, and extended his congratulations to CPA on its 40th anniversary. He praised the booming development of China's IP industry and Shanghai's increased momentum in creating a transparent and fair legal environment. Additionally, Mr. Sanz de Acedo briefed on the upcoming INTA annual meeting in Atlanta, highlighting the arrangements for INTA China Day, and looked forward to meeting the participants again at the meeting.

INTA CEO Mr. Etienne Sanz de Acedo delivered speech.

SIPA deputy director general Mr. Yu introduced Shanghai's efforts and achievements in IP protection, among them the publication of the Catalogue of Key Trademarks in Shanghai and a project to promote the use of geographical indications. Mr. Yu also expressed the wish of deepening IP exchanges between SIPA and INTA, strengthening international cooperation in IP, and fostering the sustainable development of regional brands.

SIPA deputy director general Mr. Yu Chen delivered speech.

CPA general manager Mr. Wu expressed appreciation for INTA's trust in our firm to host the reception, thanked the SIPA and Shanghai Higher People's Court for their strong support, and warmly welcomed the guests from enterprises, research institutes, and the IP industry. Mr. Wu gave a review of CPA's role and accomplishments since the establishment of our firm four decades ago in assisting in the promotion of IP cooperation between China and the world. Mr. Wu further stated that in future, CPA will continue to work hard and increase inputs into servicing enterprises, expand international networks, and support the advancement of high-level opening up.

 CPA general manager Mr. Wu Yuhe delivered speech.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Ling Jie, deputy director of the Intellectual Property Protection Division of the SIPA, introduced the latest progress in the administrative enforcement and protection of IP rights in Shanghai, with special mention of its accomplishment in the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of registered trademarks. He stated that the municipality will continue to strengthen legal protection of IP rights and push forward high quality development of administrative IP protection work.

 SIPA Intellectual Property Protection Division deputy director Mr. Ling Jie made keynote speech.

In the IP practice sharing session, CPA Trademark Department deputy manager Ms. Rachel Zhang focused on the theme of "Matters to Note for Chinese Applicants in Applying for Trademark Registration in the US". She overviewed the current trends in the US trademark application as related to the number of U.S. trademark applications and new changes in trademark examination, as well as expound with the support of real cases the time limits of US patent applications, the provisional injunction of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and related response strategies. Mr. Conan Chen, senior director of Public Policy and Government Affairs from Amazon, spoke on the topic of "Thoughts and Practices of IP Protection in Cross-border E-commerce". He detailed the measures taken by Amazon in IP protection and services provided by Amazon to protect business operators' legitimate rights and interests in their brands.

CPA Trademark Department deputy manager Ms. Rachel Zhang shared experience of trademark application in the US. 

Amazon Public Policy and Government Affairs senior director Mr. Conan Chen shared experience on IP practice.

During the discussion panel, Mr. Yang Shengzi, Douyin's e-commerce IP protection director; Mr. He Fang, partner at King & Wood Mallesons; and CPA Trademark Department deputy manager Ms. Zhang shared what they gained from participating in INTA's annual meetings, as well as their insights and advice from long years' experience in business development, international communication and cultural exchange.

(From left to right) King & Wood Mallesons partner Mr. He Fang, CPA Trademark Department deputy manager Ms. Rachel Zhang, and Douyin e-commerce IP protection director Mr. Yang Shengzi shared experience and insights.

Ms. Monica Su, chief representative officer of INTA China, noted in her closing remarks that INTA is a useful platform for colleagues and associates of the IP field to express and exchange views and learn from each other. She invited the participants to make use of this platform and meet again at the upcoming meeting in Atlanta.

INTA CEO Mr. Etienne Sanz de Acedo and INTA China chief representative officer Ms. Monica Su made concluding remarks.