Amid the dynamic growth of China's intellectual property (IP) sector, a group of remarkable women stand out. They devote themselves to professional excellence in IP examination, while pushing their limits through sports. Through action rather than words, they show that women's brilliance is never defined by a single role. As International Women's Day 2026 approaches, Bilingual Weekly profiles four female IP examiners who excel both at work and in sports, capturing vivid moments of their pursuit of passion. This is a tribute to every woman who keeps moving forward in her own light — there is no need to wait for the spotlight, because they are already shining.

Staying steady under pressure

Liu Xuanfei

Deputy Director, Thermal Engineering Division I, Material Engineering Examination Department of the Patent Office, CNIPA

"To me, whether in table tennis or in patent examination, a strong sense of responsibility, sustained focus, and solid fundamentals are essential. "

With nearly two decades of experience in patent examination, Liu has always lived by one guiding principle: build on professionalism and go further with vision. From centralized training programs and one-on-one mentoring to refining search strategies and self-study of laws, she applies every learning outcome directly to practice, gradually developing a calm, steady, and methodical examination rhythm. Last year, when faced with a batch of complex examination cases involving leading refrigerator manufacturers, Liu promptly led a group discussion, pooling collective expertise to dissect lengthy claims and deliver well-founded opinions — accurately steering the cases toward sound conclusions.

"I began playing table tennis at the age of seven. The first six months were anything but smooth: I practiced movements in front of a mirror, picked up balls endlessly, and barely touched the table. Yet my parents never missed a training session. Today, I am a national second-level athlete and have earned notable results representing the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). One match remains especially unforgettable. As the top singles player, I was physically exhausted in the final game. Choosing calm over haste, I adjusted my tactics mid-match and secured victory by a narrow two-point margin — clinching the team title. I believe in pushing myself to the limit when it matters most — to deliver that decisive point."

Balancing speed and judgment

Zheng Lan

Deputy Director, Examination Division IV, Design Examination Department of the Patent Office, CNIPA

"To me, skiing closely mirrors examination work: choosing the right line, maintaining dynamic balance, and staying composed in complex situations. "

"Rigour is the baseline, but professionalism also needs warmth and breadth." This is a phrase Zheng often repeats. Years of experience have convinced her that an outstanding design examiner must go beyond searching, comparing, and reviewing drawings. One must also stay attuned to industry trends, design evolution, and international rules. Meticulous and rigorous professional judgment came into play when she examined a design registration for innovative ski protective gear. Drawing on her own skiing experience, Zheng gained a more intuitive understanding and accurately applied the relevant legal provisions, completing the examination smoothly. Her emphasis on breadth has become even more important as registrations under the Hague System increased. By actively tracking emerging industries, embracing continuous learning and deepening cross-disciplinary thinking, she has kept her expertise constantly evolving.

"Outside of work, alpine skiing is my source of energy. It takes courage to face speed and height, and skill to maintain balance. Through countless falls and restarts, I've pushed past my own limits. In 2022, I successfully conquered one of the most challenging advanced ski runs in Chongli, Zhangjiakou — the host area for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games snow events. My message to women is simple — don't be afraid to start, and don't fear falling. Whether on life's slopes or on your career path, if you dare to move forward, the journey will carry you onward."

Staying true to principles

Ni Tingting

Deputy Director, Examination Division VII of the Trademark Office, CNIPA

"I carry the discipline, focus, and resilience developed in sport into my daily work — allowing myself to miss a shot, but never to stop chasing it."

Since joining the Trademark Office in 2008, Ni has been specializing in the examination and guidance of non-use cancellation cases involving registered trademarks. Whether scrutinizing fragmented evidence or untangling complex cases, she consistently adheres to one standard: facts as the foundation, law as the yardstick — safeguarding legitimate rights while upholding fairness. The successful handling of numerous major cases has reinforced her conviction that every examination decision must stand the test of practice. Through mentorship, she also passes on values of rigor, objectivity, and integrity to younger examiners, encouraging them to stay true to their principles.

"My connection with badminton began in 2012 at a fitness event organized by the Trademark Office. Intense rallies taught me how to stay focused under pressure and work more effectively as part of a team. Since then, I've represented my office in multiple competitions. In a crucial team match, my teammate and I found ourselves trailing early. By adjusting our tactics, we eventually turned the tide and secured third place overall. These experiences helped me realize that the sportsmanship of fairness, resilience, and teamwork closely aligns with the core values of trademark examination."

Breaking limits through persistence

Deng Zhengyan

Patent examiner, Chemistry Division, Patent Examination Cooperation (Jiangsu) Center of the Patent Office, CNIPA

"Breaking through a deadlift plateau taught me that true progress comes from sustained persistence."

"To address the big picture while mastering the finest details" — this is how Deng describes her work in textile chemistry patent examination. Early in her career, a carefully prepared search presentation was heavily critiqued by her mentor, leaving her discouraged. Yet through patient guidance and constant self-review, she gradually found her footing. Her examination quality and efficiency have risen sharply, earning her the CNIPA Gold Award for two consecutive years. Looking back, Deng believes that every rejection builds strength for the next breakthrough. Professional growth is built through repeated trial and reconstruction of her own logical framework.

"Boxing and strength training help me release stress and restore inner balance. With every punch and every heavy lift, pressure seems to melt away with the sweat. As my physical strength has grown, so has my resilience — both at work and in life. 'Never give up easily' is a mindset I forged through training, and it carries over into my work on complex examination cases. It pushes me to keep searching for new solutions when the answers aren't obvious. I believe every time I get back up after a fall, I shine a little brighter."