INTA CEO Highlights China's Growing Leadership in Intellectual Property Innovation and Protection

China has emerged as a dominant force in the global intellectual property ecosystem, driven by rapid innovation and strengthened legal frameworks, according to Etienne Sanz de Acedo, chief executive officer of the International Trademark Association (INTA). Speaking to China Daily, Sanz de Acedo highlighted China's significant role in patent and trademark activity, noting that the country accounted for nearly 50 percent of global patent filings in 2024, with 1.8 million out of 3.7 million patents filed worldwide.

"China is now a powerhouse in patent and trademark activity, with a very significant percentage of trademark filings," Sanz de Acedo said. He further explained that the evolution of China's trademark landscape is no longer defined merely by volume but increasingly by quality and institutional development.

"What has really changed is the mindset. It is the understanding of the economic value of intellectual property," he stated. The CEO pointed to improvements in China's IP system, including stronger legal frameworks characterized by greater consistency, clarity, predictability, and the establishment of specialized courts.

Sanz de Acedo linked China's rise in global IP activity to a broader trend among innovation-driven economies that view intellectual property as foundational to sustainable economic growth. "The fact that China is a big player in the global IP ecosystem is something we think is very positive," he remarked.

INTA's engagement with the Chinese market is intensifying, with plans to participate in the upcoming China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing this September. The event is expected to focus on global IP governance and trademark protection, fostering dialogue between international institutions and Chinese enterprises.

The INTA CEO observed that as Chinese companies transition from primarily exporting products to building global brands, intellectual property is becoming integral to business governance rather than a narrow legal concern. "Although Chinese companies were essentially exporting products in the past, today they are building global brands, exporting their technology and know-how to make better lives for societies and populations around the world," he said.

He identified key challenges for Chinese companies expanding internationally, including the need to protect IP rights proactively, enforce those rights in foreign markets, and prepare for potential litigation. Additionally, companies must navigate geopolitical complexities that may impact their operations.

"This means IP can no longer be treated only as a protection tool after a product or brand has already entered the market. It is rather a governance issue that needs to be embedded in the business chain and be considered from the very beginning," Sanz de Acedo emphasized.

For startups and smaller enterprises, the CEO noted that early strategic thinking about brands, technologies, protection mechanisms, commercialization strategies, and revenue models is equally critical. "That is what intellectual property is about: building your IP, protecting your IP, and commercializing your IP," he said.

Addressing the emerging era of artificial intelligence, Sanz de Acedo acknowledged that AI introduces additional complexity to the IP landscape. "Discussions around inventorship, authorship, and ownership will become more pressing as AI is used to create patents, paintings, and music," he explained.

He encouraged companies to leverage AI technologies but cautioned against exclusive reliance on them. "Should companies take advantage of AI? Yes, absolutely, but not exclusively. The human element is still very important," he concluded.

INTA's ongoing collaboration with Chinese stakeholders underscores the growing importance of intellectual property in supporting innovation-driven growth and global brand development within China’s dynamic economy.