Innovation is the primary driving force behind development, and protecting intellectual property (IP) is utilized to safeguard innovation. This is why the construction of the national-level IP protection demonstration zone in Shanghai's Xuhui district carries such strategic importance.

On June 6, the zone's construction plan was approved by the National Intellectual Property Administration. On July 26, Xuhui district received approval to build the National Intellectual Property Protection Demonstration Zone.

The demonstration zone aims to explore the establishment of an efficient IP management system. By integrating the entire IP chain from creation to application, protection, management, and services, the zone seeks to establish a clear, efficient, and cohesive institutional mechanism that will nurture innovation vitality, thus providing robust support for high-quality economic and social development.

Xuhui district plans to implement six major measures to accelerate zone construction, aiming to establish Xuhui as a model of exemplary IP protection in the digital sector, both domestically and internationally.

The new measures are as follows:

1.    Improving the overall deployment of IP protection. By strengthening coordination mechanisms and building on the achievements of the initial batch of IP protection demonstration zones in Shanghai, Xuhui aims to become a nationally recognized model for IP protection.

2.    Enhancing the law-based protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). By strengthening stringent protection of IPR and cracking down on malicious trademark infringement and litigation, Xuhui seeks to enhance the effectiveness of its IP protection mechanisms.

3.    Strengthening IP protection across the entire chain. By focusing on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, gaming, and cross-border e-commerce, Xuhui plans to enhance mechanisms for resolving diverse IP disputes and promote high-level international engagement through the establishment of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Shanghai Service.

4.    Deepening reforms in the institutional mechanisms that govern IP protection. By optimizing administrative enforcement systems and advancing the integrated trial mechanism involving civil, administrative, and criminal IP cases, Xuhui aims to strengthen judicial IPR protection.

5.    Promoting intra-regional and international IP exchange and cooperation. By aligning with international standards and enhancing collaboration with organizations like the World Intellectual Property Organization, Xuhui plans to improve communication channels with foreign enterprises and address IP needs effectively.

6.    Safeguarding national security regarding IP. By encouraging key enterprises to establish IP operation and technology centers, Xuhui aims to deepen its role as a hub for IP services and provide guidance for handling overseas IP disputes.

In the next phase, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration will provide full support to Xuhui district in the construction for the demonstration zone. Through collaborative mechanisms and coordinated efforts, the administration will assist Xuhui in establishing itself as a leader in digital IP protection, an attraction and cultivation hub for IP talents, and a showcase for optimizing the IP sector.