Recently, SIPO and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Jointly hold a symposium on traditional knowledge and genetic resources.

During the symposium, representatives from SIPO, Legal Affairs Office of the State Council, the Central University for Nationalities, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. National Institute of Health, World Environment and Development Fund, American Seed Trade Association and American Federation of Biotechnology Industry discuss deeply on topics such as the policies, concerns and practices of China and the United States in areas of intellectual property, traditional knowledge and genetic resources, obtaining and sharing interests, examination and protection of patents for traditional Chinese medicines, protection and appropriate utilization of genetic resources in the United States, and bio-diversification protection in U.S. national parks. More than 60 people from SIPO, All-China Patent Agents Association, Patent Protection Association of China, the American Chamber of Commerce of China and universities, as well as representatives from enterprises attend the symposium. They also conduct active exchanges and discussions with Chinese and U.S. experts and raised many practical questions.

Chinese and U.S. experts highly appreciate the effect of the symposium, believing that it has provided an important opportunity for Chinese and U.S. governments and academic circles to conduct face-to-face exchanges in areas of intellectual property, traditional knowledge and genetic resources.