#China #Switzerland #Geneva #copyright #WIPO

The 'Copyright in China' Exhibition at WIPO

On July 14, 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) witnessed the grand opening of the exhibition titled 'Safeguarding Innovation: Shaping the Future Together - Copyright in China' at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This event coincided with the opening day of the 66th series of meetings for the member states of WIPO and drew in over a thousand delegates, including representatives from WIPO member states and observer organizations. The exhibition was a collaborative effort between the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and WIPO itself, and it was orchestrated by the China Intercontinental Communication Center.

The opening ceremony was not only ceremonial but also culturally enriching, as it included performances highlighting Chinese culture alongside a delightful presentation of traditional Chinese cuisine. The exhibition comprises four thematic sections: International Cooperation, Legal Framework, Copyright Protection, and Industry Development. Through a dynamic blend of multimedia displays, tangible exhibits, hands-on experiences, case studies, and live performances, it provides an in-depth insight into the evolution of China's copyright system and its enhanced commitment to global intellectual property management.

WIPO's Director General, Daren Tang, participated in the opening ceremony and emphasized China's long-standing contributions to innovation, tracing back from ancient inventions to modern digital creativity. He highlighted that the thriving copyright sector in China is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation while fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem. Tang noted the international appeal of Chinese video games, films, and collectibles, stressing that the exhibition reflects China's supportive environment for innovation alongside its rich cultural heritage, while also illustrating the pivotal role that copyright plays in nurturing a creative economy.

A representative from the NCAC also addressed the audience, asserting China's robust support for the growth of its copyright sector. The official pointed out that copyright has become an increasingly vital part of China's national development strategy in recent years. China has made substantial improvements to copyright legislation and enforcement mechanisms, along with experiencing rapid growth in its copyright industry. The public awareness surrounding copyright issues has significantly increased, and the environment for innovation and creativity has never been as vibrant as it is today.

Furthermore, China is deepening international collaboration, expanding dialogue and partnerships with WIPO and various nations globally, while also promoting cooperation in copyright matters through the Belt and Road Initiative. The aim of these efforts is to establish a balanced and effective global copyright system that benefits people around the world.

As the exhibition unfolds, it stands as a testament to the importance of copyright in shaping the future of cultural and economic interactions globally and underlines China's dedication to fostering a robust framework for innovation. The event is not merely an exhibition; it is a visionary step toward a collaborative future that respects and protects intellectual property rights. Those who are part of this pivotal moment in intellectual property history are invited to explore how these principles of copyright translate into real-world applications and benefit societies worldwide.

For those interested, a video presentation of the event can be accessed through this link.