The 3rd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo Opens in Beijing —

Humanoid robots practicing tai chi, modular flying cars showcasing their capabilities, and the world's first AI-powered surgical robot system making its debut. Domestic and international attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on how intellectual property can support the global expansion of the automotive industry and intelligent transportation, as well as how intellectual property and technological innovation can empower new productive forces... On July 16, the 3rd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo (hereinafter referred to as the Chain Expo), themed “Connecting the World, Co-Creating the Future,” opened in Beijing. The expo was brimming with elements of scientific and technological innovation and intellectual property, making this edition of the Chain Expo vibrant and dynamic.

This edition of the Chain Expo featured six major chains—Advanced Manufacturing Chain, Intelligent Automotive Chain, Green Agriculture Chain, Clean Energy Chain, Digital Technology Chain, and Healthy Living Chain—as well as a Supply Chain Services Exhibition Zone. A total of 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions participated, with overseas exhibitors accounting for 35% of the total.

"This year's Chain Expo attracted a large number of domestic and international companies, further demonstrating the effectiveness of China's policies and measures in the field of intellectual property protection in recent years. These efforts have created a safer, more stable, and more sustainable business environment for domestic and international companies, while also providing stronger support and driving the global supply chain system to become more closely integrated, the investment environment more friendly, and the prospects for future technological innovation more promising. “ Long Chuanhong, Director of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Patent and Trademark Agency, stated in an interview with this newspaper that China's sustained efforts over the years to improve intellectual property protection laws, regulations, and related policies, as well as its implementation of ”equal protection" for both Chinese and foreign enterprises, have continuously benefited both domestic and foreign companies. These measures have also enhanced the confidence of foreign enterprises in conducting more investments and R&D innovations in China.

KUKA Robotics (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as KUKA Robotics) is an industrial robot manufacturing company that has established a comprehensive intellectual property strategy in the fields of industrial robot design and development, production manufacturing, and technical services. “Through the Chain Expo platform, we can not only connect the upstream and downstream industrial robot supply chain and drive collaborative innovation across the entire supply chain, but also have the opportunity to contribute more Chinese wisdom to the development of the global robotics supply chain. This exhibition has also provided us with a clearer direction for further innovation,” said Fang Zhou, Legal Director of KUKA Robotics. He emphasized that artificial intelligence technologies represented by intelligent robots are a crucial pillar for future technological progress, and strengthening collaborative research and development and intellectual property protection in the global supply chain sector is of utmost importance.

The innovative charm showcased at the Chain Expo also stems from the meticulous efforts of regions across the country to build a stable supply chain system and a high-quality business environment. “During this year's Chain Expo, Sichuan Province continued its ‘Chain Chain Sichuan Enterprises’ initiative, organizing 29 Sichuan-based companies to showcase their latest technological achievements and typical application cases, vividly illustrating the vibrant development of Sichuan's new productive forces.” A representative from the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade stated that the “Invest in Sichuan” International Supply Chain Cooperation Conference held during this year's Chain Expo comprehensively showcased Sichuan's advantages in industrial development and technological innovation, as well as the significant achievements made in strengthening intellectual property protection and creating a high-quality business environment, thereby accumulating vigorous momentum to jointly promote the high-quality development of Sichuan's industries.

Innovating the future, chaining to win the world. Maintaining the resilience and stability of global industrial and supply chains is a crucial guarantee for promoting global economic development. “China's more proactive and continuously improved intellectual property protection policies have provided China with more opportunities to open up and strengthen its close ties with the world, and have also made international organizations like the International Trademark Association (INTA) more accepting and optimistic about China's investment environment, and more committed to providing innovative services for Chinese and multinational enterprises.” INTA CEO Etiana Sanz Acevedo stated in an interview with this newspaper that in the future, INTA will devote more effort to strengthening ties and cooperation with China's intellectual property management departments, providing not only Chinese enterprises but also multinational corporations with more positive, valuable opportunities for communication, cooperation, and exchange, thereby creating more possibilities for the realization of the value of trademarks and other intellectual property rights.