The 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference showcased the latest achievements in the IP sphere and provided a high-level platform for cooperation and exchanges. Themed “IP in the Digital Age”, the event, held in Beijing on September 11-12, covered a wide range of topical IP issues, with discussions spanning creation, protection, utilization, services and international cooperation. Shen Changyu, Director of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), stressed a central message for the digital era: technologies and the IP system should empower each other, evolve together and integrate for development. China highly values the development of the digital economy and technological innovation. The growth of the digital economy cannot be separated from the support of key core technologies, and the digital age has spurred changes in the IP system, Shen said in his address to the Conference.
The CNIPA is adapting to the times by continuously improving the protection system in new fields and industries such as big data and artificial intelligence (AI), while leveraging digital technologies to enhance the efficiency of IP governance, he added. The two-day event drew more than 8,000 participants from government agencies, academia, businesses and international organizations. It featured one main session and 12 breakout sessions, alongside an AI-driven interactive zone, a patent and trademark exhibition, and a geographical indications exhibition. At the thematic session of “IP Adapting to the Evolving AI Landscape”, speakers examined ways to better align AI with the IP system.
At the Conference, the focus on IP’s role in driving high-quality economic growth provided a platform for companies to share practical experiences in developing effective IP strategies. Xiaomi, a prominent player in the global tech industry, for example, has long stressed that building a sustainable, IP-driven economic ecosystem demands collective efforts from all enterprises. To this end, Xiaomi has established a robust IP system that underpins its business expansion and technological innovation. Liu Zhen, Vice President of Legal and International Government Affairs at Xiaomi, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to IP management. To support its comprehensive “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem strategy, Liu said that Xiaomi has integrated IP nodes into the research and development (R&D) process, involving IP engineers from project initiation to conducting risk assessments and patent portfolio planning.
This approach not only reduces infringement risks but also builds technical barriers through innovative designs, accelerating patent commercialization in core products such as smartphones, smart electric vehicles, and major home appliances. In emerging sectors such as augmented and virtual reality and clean energy, Xiaomi adopts tailored IP strategies based on factors like technical maturity and R&D plans. Moreover, it balances “rapid tech iteration” and “early IP protection” through refined management. “We use Patent Cooperation Treaty applications to extend review cycles for patents, especially standard-essential patents, in slow-evolving fields, and adjust overseas patent portfolios according to local review timelines, ensuring IP protection keeps pace with tech advancements without hindering innovation speed,” Liu said.
In addressing international patent disputes, Xiaomi has developed a multi-dimensional response system, transitioning from “passive defense” to “proactive risk identification” with a comprehensive early warning system. When litigation arises, “we combine technical countermeasures, legal defenses, and business negotiations”, Liu explained. This strategy was evident in its multiple successful patent dispute proceedings. Besides, Xiaomi places a strong emphasis on talent development. It has established specialized IP teams covering application, analysis, litigation, licensing and acquisition, supported by a talent gradient system that facilitates role rotation and career advancement. This ensures a closed-loop knowledge system from IP creation to litigation, strengthening the execution of its IP strategy.
Xiaomi’s robust IP framework and effective implementation are not overnight achievements, but rather rooted in its continuous investment in R&D. “Since its establishment in 2010, Xiaomi has continuously increased R&D investment in key technology areas,” Liu noted. In 2024 alone, Xiaomi’s R&D expenditure surpassed CNY24 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 27% over the past five years. “This has enabled us to build up solid technical capabilities across 12 technological fields and 99 sub-segments,” he added. Xiaomi plans to invest over CNY200 billion in R&D in the next five years. “We will continue to strengthen the protection of IP rights and innovation in these key business areas,” Liu noted.
Additionally, Xiaomi aims to enhance its influence in global IP rules, particularly in 5G SEPs, where it ranked eighth globally in effective patents in 2024, while continuing to invest heavily in next-generation mobile communication technologies, the China Daily reports.
