Editor's Note

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently announced the winners of its 2023 Global Awards Program in Geneva, Switzerland. Two Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along with five peers from France, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore and Slovenia emerged from 548 SMEs from around the world to win the second edition of the annual competition. Chinese SMEs' consecutive conquests of this global award that aims to inspire innovation and IP exhibit their dynamic efforts into taking on future challenges with innovation and IP.

Westwell: Innovation activates industrial potential

●Westwell is already in possession of 75 Chinese patents

●Westwell has filed 7 PCT international patent applications, 2 industrial design applications via the Hague System route

Established in 2015 and initially engaged in intelligent harbor sector, Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd. has shipped several hundreds of autonomous vehicles and their systems globally and currently has product and service presence in 18 countries and regions, serving over 160 clients. Westwell Technology places IP protection at a critical position, founding an IP committee presided by chair of board and chief technology officer for close integration of IP, R & D and business strategy.

According to corporate IP counsel Zhou Min, Westwell Technology has refined its patent planning in the past three years to ensure protection over its global business interests. Already in possession of 75 Chinese patents, Westwell Technology has filed 7 PCT international patent applications, 2 industrial design applications via the Hague System route; registered 99 Chinese and 10 European Union trademarks; filed 40 trademark applications via the Madrid route and 14 U.S. trademark applications.

"We strive to integrate IP work into the whole lifecycle of innovation and management," Zhou adds that on the one hand, Westwell Technology designates an IP ambassador in many of its departments, integrates IP work into R & D, branding, marketing, talent grooming, and creates the ambience of valuing innovation and IP protection through internal and external training and regular distribution of IP information. On the other hand, they seek collaboration with professional IP service firms and help them to put their IP planning in place quickly.

Westwell Technology President Zhang Rong says: "In the future, we will keep dedicating efforts to technological innovation and IP protection, and focus on R & D and implementation of global intelligent and green technology to hasten the steps of the advancement of the human society."

KissFuture: Digit empowers the cultural industry

●KissFuture cofounded the Xi'an Technological Innovation Strategic Alliance of AR and VR Industry with other units

●The alliance co-established a digital copyright protection and development base with other units

What are the possible locations for applying augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)? Shaanxi is known for its deep historical, cultural roots that gives infinite imagination to the integration of digital technology and cultural resources. "The addition of AR and VR technology has upgraded cultural and museum exhibition to more three-dimensional, immerging and vivid viewing experience. The rich cultural and museum resources in Shaanxi is the best cradle for the digital technology sector, according to Xi'an KissFuture Network Technology CEO Ning Chengyu.

KissFuture  has been placing the IP work at a prominent position at the very beginning of the start-up's founding. From infusion of IDG Capital's over 10 million yuan to self-incubation of a cultural brand "EastQin", KissFuture, again and again, has proven its "hard strength" in technological competition with IPRs while forming the bedrock of its cultural "soft strength".

With the policy guidance and financial support from Xi'an (Shaanxi) government, Xi'an Science and Technology Administration and Qujiang (Xi'an) New Area Administrative Commission, KissFuture has founded the Xi'an Technological Innovation Strategic Alliance of AR and VR Industry, collaborating in R & D, content creation, cross-industry application and technology licensing. The Alliance has also established a digital copyright protection and development base with Qujiang (Xi'an) Publishing and Media Group, offering more developmental opportunities for digital enterprises like KissFuture.

"Growth fueled by IP and innovation and creation used as medium, KissFuture will adhere to the concept of 'Showcase technology with fun, Spread culture with temperature' and tell the Chinese stories of the co-existence ad co-development of science and technology and culture right in an open and sharing fashion," Ning summarizes.