When artificial intelligence is redrawing the innovation map at unprecedented speed, how national intellectual property (IP) systems coordinate with one another has become a defining question of global governance. On November 4, 2026, Chen Fuli, Party Secretary of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), held bilateral talks in Beijing with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), who was leading a delegation to China. The two sides exchanged views on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, improving the quality and efficiency of WIPO's global service system, and cooperation with the Global South.
1. Overview: a high-level dialogue on "future-facing" issues
According to a CNIPA news release dated November 6, 2026, the talks took place on November 4. WIPO Deputy Directors General Shen Changyu and Mzukisi Qobo, together with Zhang Zhicheng, Deputy Commissioner of CNIPA, attended the meeting, along with heads of relevant departments from both sides.
The composition of the delegations signals a dialogue spanning both the decision-making and operational levels: it addresses the direction of institutional cooperation as well as the practical details of how services are delivered. The message is clear — cooperation between China and WIPO is shifting from commemorative exchanges toward institutionalized coordination.
2. Three core topics: AI, service systems and the Global South
(1) Addressing the institutional challenges of artificial intelligence
AI raises new questions about patent novelty assessment, the recognition of copyrightable works, and the boundaries of data and algorithm protection. Placing the "AI challenge" first on the agenda shows that both sides recognize rules lag behind technology and require closer international coordination rather than fragmented national approaches.
(2) Improving the quality and efficiency of WIPO's global service system
WIPO's three major systems — the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty), Madrid (international trademark registration) and Hague (international design registration) — are the main channels through which Chinese innovators go global. Improving their efficiency and service quality directly affects the cost and timeline of overseas filing.
(3) Strengthening bilateral and Global South cooperation
The talks explicitly referenced cooperation "with the Global South." This means the spillover of China–WIPO cooperation is expanding: it serves not only China itself but also a broader group of developing economies, providing public goods for IP capacity building in emerging markets.
3. China's position: plan-led, practical cooperation
Chen Fuli said the Chinese government attaches great importance to IP work, highlighting three key reference points:
- High-level attention: President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of China–WIPO cooperation;
- Top-level design: the State Council issued the "15th Five-Year Plan for the Protection and Application of Intellectual Property," setting a roadmap for the next five years;
- Practical results: CNIPA has earnestly implemented these arrangements and actively advanced cooperation with WIPO with fruitful outcomes.
He added that both sides should further deepen practical cooperation to advance the global IP cause and better serve economic and social development and human well-being.
4. WIPO's assessment: witnessing the steady improvement of China's IP system
Daren Tang spoke highly of China's achievements in IP. He said the cooperation has witnessed the continuous improvement of China's IP system, the ongoing optimization of its innovation and creative ecosystem, and the growing results of innovation-driven development. WIPO stands ready to deepen cooperation with China to jointly build a global IP ecosystem so that innovation benefits people in all countries.
5. Practical takeaways for innovators
This high-level meeting may seem distant from day-to-day business, but it is closely tied to overseas IP strategy. Here are five actionable points:
- File overseas early, not late: PCT and Madrid are the main routes. Greater system efficiency makes the window worth seizing, but priority periods (12 months for inventions/utility models, 6 months for designs/trademarks) will not be extended.
- Protect AI-related results on parallel tracks: algorithms are usually protected through patents (combined with a technical solution), while software code and training data can be layered with copyright registration — a "patent plus copyright" combination.
- Position early in Global South markets: in emerging markets across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, trademarks favor a "first-to-file" approach, while patents should align with local industry needs.
- Use WIPO facilitation tools: ePCT and Madrid electronic filing can reduce cross-border procedural costs, but substantive examination standards remain governed by each country's law.
- Plan annuity and maintenance costs holistically: overseas patent annuities rise year by year by country; use tools to model full-lifecycle costs so you do not "win the certificate but cannot afford to keep it."
6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Does this meeting directly affect Chinese companies filing patents abroad?
A: The meeting is a direction-setting exchange between institutions and does not directly change national examination standards. However, improving the quality and efficiency of WIPO's global service system (PCT/Madrid/Hague) can indirectly reduce procedural costs for cross-border filings; companies should watch for specific facilitation measures that follow.
Q: Can AI-related inventions be patented in China?
A: Yes, subject to eligibility requirements: what is claimed must be a technical solution (solving a technical problem by technical means with a technical effect), not a mere algorithm or rule of intellectual activity. Drafting should combine the algorithm with a specific technical scenario and data-processing workflow.
Q: What is "Global South" cooperation, and is it useful for small and medium-sized enterprises?
A: The "Global South" mainly refers to emerging markets and developing countries. For Chinese companies, it means IP capacity building and examination cooperation in these markets will receive more attention, making early trademark and patent filing more cost-effective.
Q: Overseas patent annuities are costly — are there ways to optimize them?
A: Consider three approaches: select countries to maintain by market value and consider dropping non-core markets; budget in advance with a full-lifecycle cost table; and use annuity-monitoring tools (see our free patent annuity monitoring) to track deadlines and avoid late fees or loss of rights.
International trademark registration is directly tied to the Nice classification. Before filing, clarify your goods/services classes — see our trademark classes page. To assess an overseas filing strategy for your specific technology, contact Zhihai Yida Patent Agency (Registration No. 34408).
Sources
China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA): "Chen Fuli Holds Talks with WIPO Director General Daren Tang," November 6, 2026. Original link
This article describes the intellectual property system of the People's Republic of China (China); the latest official regulations shall prevail. It is for general reference only and does not constitute official interpretation or legal advice.