Recently, Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), led a delegation to Portugal at the invitation of the European Patent Office (EPO) to attend the 19th Conference of the Heads of Offices between the EPO and the CNIPA, marking 40 years of cooperation between the two offices. The delegation also paid a working visit to the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF).

During his visit to Portugal, Shen held talks with EPO President António Campinos, reviewing the major achievements made over the past 40 years of bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on future collaboration between the two offices. Shen pointed out that, under the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe, cooperation between the two offices has yielded fruitful results. Looking ahead, the partnership will become even closer, better serving bilateral innovation entities and IP users. Campinos noted that cooperation between the two offices has been pragmatic and productive, adding that the EPO is willing to work with the CNIPA to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. Following the meeting, the two offices signed a memorandum of understanding on the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC).

During the visit to Italy, the delegation visited Italian MASAF to exchange views on the latest developments and progress in the field of geographical indications (GIs) between China and Italy, as well as on the implementation of the bilateral memorandum of understanding and future cooperation plans. The delegation also visited Italian industry associations and producers of GI products, engaging in discussions on GI protection and promotion.(Translated from CNIPA Website Chinese Version)