The Chinese government's focus on intellectual property work has moved to the stage of helping companies better use the patent process and providing improved services after applications are filed, Tian Lipu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office, said at the annual Patent Information Conference that began in Beijing on Sept 11.

"Due to implementation of IP strategies, the society is paying more attention to the creation, commercialization, quality and market value of Chinese patents rather than just protection," he added.

Tian said that an important goal of the national strategy is to foster and develop a market-oriented IP information system, with companies involved in the development.

As a crucial part of IP services, "patent information plays an important role by strengthening innovation, protection and management", he told the audience.

"It is irreplaceable for companies in R&D and proprietary technologies," the commissioner said.

"Patent information is now a strategic resource to sharpen a competitive edge and enhance innovation as more companies pursue a share of the international market," he said.

SIPO will promote the growth of patent information services and help more institutions join in the sector and meet the growing need, he said.

Xu Ning, head of the patent classification section at the World Intellectual Property Office, said efficient access to information is increasingly crucial.

"WIPO will develop a global infrastructure to become a world reference source of IP information," she said.

"New services and specialized tools for analyzing patent information are helping industries grasp innovation opportunities and identify potential partners," Xu added.

Leonora Hoicka, associate general counsel of IBM Corp, said in a keynote speech that the tech giant "does not have a static patent portfolio management strategy" because it must adapt to meet changing technological directions and business needs.

This year's conference has an "accurate position" as it considers how patent information helps transform industries, said Commissioner Tian.

It attracted about 1,200 delegates including government officials and representatives from 500 large international companies.

(Source: China Daily)

2012-09-25

2012-09-25