INTA Delegation to China Champions IP-Driven Globalization of Chinese Brands

Earlier this month, INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo led a delegation to China, reaffirming the Association’s commitment to supporting the globalization of Chinese brands. The visit encompassed high-level policy dialogue with senior government officials and judicial authorities, the launch of the third installment of INTA’s Know Before You Go report series, and direct engagements with corporate members and key intellectual property (IP) partners.

The delegation met with Director-General Li of the China Trademark Office under the China National Intellectual Property Administration, advocating for the recognition of consent agreements in trademark practice and exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in trademark examination, with both sides recognizing the need for human oversight alongside technological advancement. The meeting also covered broader policy developments related to the ongoing revision of China’s Trademark Law.

Building on this dialogue, the delegation held a productive exchange with Deputy Chief Judge Wu of the Supreme People’s Court, sharing INTA’s policy perspectives on the judicial recognition of consent agreements in trademark disputes, AI and IP foundational principles, data asset protection, and effective and balanced IP enforcement, with both sides recognizing the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted trademark adjudication.

Complementing its policy engagement, the delegation launched the latest addition to its Know Before You Go report series on June 9 in Beijing, held in conjunction with the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services. Drafted in Mandarin by INTA member volunteers, the series now covers more than 40 jurisdictions across three installments and extends beyond trademarks to encompass patents, industrial designs, and copyright, offering Chinese enterprises a comprehensive, business-oriented IP roadmap for international markets.

The delegation also met with President Liu of the Intellectual Property Publishing House to advance the bilateral partnership, with both sides anticipating the formal signing of a cooperation agreement at the China IP Annual Conference in September.

The visit reinforced INTA’s distinctive role in bridging China’s IP community with the global landscape through pragmatic, open, and efficient engagement. As Chinese enterprises navigate the complexities of international markets, the Association remains committed to providing actionable resources, fostering strategic dialogue, and advancing IP as a driver of sustainable global competitiveness.

INTA’s China Representative Office, based in Beijing, represents the Association’s members in China. Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the China Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in this jurisdiction. To learn more about INTA’s activities in China, please contact INTA Chief Representative for China, Monica Su, and follow us on WeChat.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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