An forum organized by German giant Bayer and Shanghai Tongji University was held at the Beijing Intellectual Property Center on Nov 12 to discuss a range of IPR issues in the pharmaceutical industry.

Participants including officials from central and local intellectual property administrations, Chinese and German judges, university professors and Fortune 500 IPR professionals, who shared their insight in management of intellectual property in the life sciences.

Bayer and Tongji have cooperated on research into IPR protection for five years.

SIPO joined the forum this year, combining the forces of a multinational, a university and a government department.

"IPR protection is the motivation and guarantee for R&D and investment," said Yang Tiejun, vice-commissioner of SIPO.

"We will increase efforts so all investors regardless of nationality enjoy a business-friendly environment."

Bayer, which has long invested enormous sums in research, knows that "protecting our patents is crucial", said Michael Koening, president of the Bayer Greater China Group.

"We are pleased with the joint endeavor of this forum, which reflects its in-depth and far-reaching effects."

(Source: China Daily)