On the afternoon of May 14, 2025, a delegation of five led by Mr. Rui Wenbiao, Director of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration (SIPA), visited Co-Create European Patent Law Firm (“Co-Create”) for research and guidance. Established in 2019 by the Shanghai Commercial Mediation Center (SCMC), Co-Create is the first overseas intellectual property (IP) service station under SCMC. In 2023, it was incorporated into Shanghai’s overseas IP service system as one of the city’s seven overseas IP service stations. It was a great honor for Co-Create to host the SIPA delegation.

During the meeting, Ms. Gong Jinping, Managing Partner of Co-Create, provided a detailed report on the work carried out in recent years by Shanghai’s overseas IP service station in Europe. Co-Create has consistently focused on three key areas—high-value patent applications, IP dispute resolution, and strategic IP consulting for Chinese enterprises in Europe—delivering high-quality, professional, and tailored IP services to Chinese companies expanding abroad.

Ms. Gong also introduced the historical background of Shanghai’s overseas IP service stations and elaborated on the guidance and cooperation between the stations and SCMC. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on how to promote the mediation and resolution of cross-border IP disputes through coordinated mechanisms.

Director Rui spoke highly of the achievements of the service station, and also inquired in detail about the practical challenges and support needs encountered during its operation. He emphasized that the station should further enhance both the depth and breadth of its services for Shanghai enterprises developing in Europe, actively assisting Chinese companies in raising IP awareness and improving their overseas strategic capabilities, and truly fulfilling its role as a bridge and link.

During the talks, Director Rui also introduced SIPA’s main responsibilities and key work priorities for 2025. He stated that SIPA will continue to leverage its professional expertise and administrative resources to support Shanghai enterprises in expanding into international markets. Through cooperation with international organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), SIPA aims to promote the proper resolution of overseas IP disputes.

The two sides also exchanged views on a series of cutting-edge topics, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the IP field, IP challenges and countermeasures in cross-border e-commerce, and IP protection in the cultural and creative industries. These discussions not only reflected SIPA’s forward-looking perspective on industry trends but also provided valuable direction for future innovation in overseas IP service station operations.

This research and exchange session not only brought valuable insights and support from the SIPA delegation but also laid a solid foundation for further collaboration between overseas IP service stations, enterprises, and industry stakeholders. Co-Create European Patent Law Firm will continue to uphold its professional, pragmatic, and enterprising philosophy, remain rooted in Europe, serve Shanghai, and safeguard the international development of Chinese enterprises.