There was an unveiling ceremony for the (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone’s new intellectual property office, in Shanghai, on Sep 26, with the deputy mayor, Zhao Wen, on hand along with other leaders, and representatives of institutions and companies.

In addressing the gathering, Zhao said that the office now shows the level of awareness of intellectual property rights in the zone and is an important step in its reforms and opening-up and keeping up with international development.

Deputy Mayor Zhao Wen showing the intellectual property office plaque, on Sept 26. [Photo/CIP News]

Even though this office is not all that big, it is China’s first office of its kind to handle this form of law enforcement on its own and is solely responsible for managing patents, brands, and copyrights and was established with Shanghai government approval in line with national and regional strategies.

There was also an intellectual property protection forum after the ceremony, with people from the city’s Intellectual Property Bureau, High Court, and Tongji University to discuss the current international and domestic situation in intellectual property management and protection.