The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTS) 2020, running from September 5 to 9, has played an effective role in promoting stable development of foreign trade and foreign investment.

Mr. Chuanhong Long, Vice President of CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office told the journalist from China Daily that since the establishment of intellectual property protection system, China has continuously improved protection of intellectual property rights for innovative entities, including patent protection for foreign companies, and made remarkable achievements.

Strong measures have been taken to protect intellectual property rights for international companies doing business in China.

It is clearly stated in the Foreign Investment Law, passed in March 2019, that intellectual property rights of foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises are protected, legitimate rights and interests of intellectual property rights holders are protected, and for infringements of intellectual property rights, legal liabilities shall be pursued strictly in accordance with the law.

In addition to legal support, intellectual property protection becomes more and more convenient in technology and practice.

The National Intellectual Property Administration and foreign intellectual property offices have adopted the Patent Prosecution Highway project to speed up the examination pace of patent applications submitted by foreign applicants and facilitate foreign companies to obtain patents in China as soon as possible, Long said.

In addition, through WIPO's "Priority Document Digital Access Service", China National Intellectual Property Administration can exchange priority documents electronically with other Intellectual Property Offices through the same platform and foreign applicants don't need to request for a priority document from one Office and submit it to another Office, Long said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign companies can easily apply for patents and trademarks since applicants can submit applications and communicate with examiners electronically and without any physical contact.

China's improving legal environment in IP protection legislation, justice and administration has provided strong guarantees and confidence for international investors eyeing the Chinese market. The CIFTS plays an effective role in promoting stable development of foreign trade and foreign investment. IP professionals can use their knowledge to maximize the value of foreign companies' intellectual property assets, Long said. （By Kaifang Wang)