A new overseas intellectual property rights protection assistance center is launched in the Hongqiao International Central Business District. [Photo/WeChat account: Shanghai_IPA]

East China's Shanghai – moving to deepen integration within the Yangtze River Delta region and to elevate the Hongqiao International Open Hub as a national strategy – has taken a significant step forward.

That's in the wake of a ceremony on May 13 that was held to sign a strategic cooperation agreement between the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, or SIPA and the Hongqiao International Central Business District Administrative Committee.

The event also witnessed the launch of an overseas intellectual property rights protection assistance center in the district – marking a new chapter in the protection of intellectual property, or IP for businesses operating overseas.

SIPA Director General Rui Wenbiao highlighted the strategic importance of the Hongqiao International Central Business District at the ceremony.

He said it served as a critical junction for the interconnectivity of the Yangtze River Delta region and acted as a gateway for multinational companies entering China and for Chinese firms expanding globally.

Rui added that the center will leverage the strengths of international chambers of commerce, industry associations, Shanghai's universities and foreign service institutions.

This would be done to provide companies with advanced services and professional support in IP strategy, risk management, dispute resolution and talent development.

The strategic move is in line with Shanghai's broader ambition to continue to refine its international IP business environment, providing a robust foundation for enterprises to thrive in the global marketplace.