CNIPA Commissioner Shen Changyu recently held a videoconference with IP Australia Director General Mr. Michael Schwager on bilateral cooperation and the impact of and solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Shen said that facing the onslaught of the virus, China launched a resolute battle to prevent and control its spread. With the public’s lives and interests its top priority, China has adopted extensive, stringent, and thorough containment measures. While continuing to advance epidemic controls, China continued to ensure its own economic and social development. Meanwhile, China has managed to sustain the steady development of its IP system. He pointed out that China and Australia are highly complementary in industry with extensive bilateral economic and trade exchanges. The two countries have become an important overseas IP application destination for each other. The CNIPA is willing to promote experience sharing and cooperation with IP Australia to jointly cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Mr. Michael Schwager said that the steady development of China’s IP cause amid the pandemic has provided useful experience for IP Australia. He hoped that the two offices could deepen pragmatic cooperation to provide better service for IP users of both countries.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges in trademarks and geographical indications on the basis of solid cooperation regarding patents. (Translated from CNIPA Website Chinese Version)