Intellectual Property Newsletter by MeritsIP, July 16, 2025
Editor’s Note: Intellectual Property Highlights and Strategies for Innovation
Welcome to the MeritsIP Newsletter. We delve into critical updates in the intellectual property landscape, providing insights and strategies to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Read on to stay informed and ahead in the game of innovation.
Shen Changyu’s Diplomatic Activities at WIPO Assemblies
From July 7th to 9th local time, at the 66th WIPO Member States’ Assemblies in Geneva, Shen Changyu, head of the CNIPA, held bilateral talks with IP agency heads from Singapore, Hungary, Spain, the EU, and the African IP Organization. He also took part in a WIPO – hosted ministerial dialogue and the BRICS IP Bureau Directors’ Meeting.
In bilateral talks, Shen exchanged views on common concerns, highlighting China’s emphasis on IP work and new progress. Other parties wanted to deepen cooperation in IP talent training, public services, and AI application in examination. Shen signed cooperation memorandums with Hungary, the African IP Organization, and Morocco.
On July 7th, he shared China’s AI – related IP protection experience at a WIPO dialogue. On July 8th, at the BRICS meeting, he noted the expansion of the cooperation’s “circle of friends” and hoped for more achievements. The BRICS parties reached consensuses on cooperation projects and the next meeting.
Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/7/15/art_53_200615.html
Shen Changyu Holds Bilateral Talks with WIPO Director – General Daren Tang
On the morning of July 7 local time at the 66th Session of the WIPO Member Assemblies in Geneva, Shen Changyu, Director of the CNIPA, had bilateral talks with WIPO Director – General Daren Tang. They discussed China’s IP development, AI, and bilateral cooperation.
Shen Changyu said that following President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter, China – WIPO cooperation has deepened with practical results. China congratulated on the successful conclusion of relevant treaties and will constructively participate in formulating international IP rules.
Daren Tang noted the good growth of China’s applications for PCT patents, Hague System designs, and Madrid trademarks, showing China’s innovation vitality. He hopes both sides will deepen cooperation in improving the global IP service system, using AI for IP, and promoting development via IP to jointly advance the global IP governance system.
Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/7/15/art_53_200614.html
Jiangsu Deepens Intellectual Property Protection to Boost the Development of Taiwanese Enterprises
Recently, the Jiangsu Provincial Intellectual Property Administration, the provincial Taiwan Affairs Office, and the Jiangsu Association for Taiwan Compatriots discussed establishing a regular cooperation mechanism. The goal is to enhance Taiwanese enterprises’ IP protection awareness and ability, solve their problems, safeguard rights, and promote development through better policies, measures, and services.
In recent years, Jiangsu’s relevant departments have offered targeted services to Taiwanese enterprises, improving their IP – related capabilities. With the new mechanism, the provincial IP administration will coordinate with relevant departments. It will strengthen information exchange, deepen collaborative services in patent application, trademark registration, and overseas rights protection, and optimize dispute resolution by cracking down on malicious acts and encouraging professional services.
Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/7/16/art_57_200625.html
WIPO Announces 2025 Global Awards Winners: Recognizing IP-Driven Innovation and Impact
Ten SMEs and startups have won the 2025 WIPO Global Awards. Their products, like antibody therapies and sustainable protein fermentation technologies, show the power of intellectual property (IP) in enhancing lives, advancing technology, and building sustainable communities. The 4th – edition awards aim to recognize entrepreneurs using IP to grow businesses and contribute to society and the economy. The winners, from diverse sectors, stood out from 780 applicants across 95 countries. The ceremony took place on July 11, 2025, at WIPO’s Geneva headquarters. Winners will receive incentives such as one – on – one guidance and access to WIPO resources. In 2025, two special awards for diversity and inclusion were added: the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award and the Best Young Entrepreneur Award. The WIPO Global Awards align with WIPO’s mission to make innovation benefit all.
Source: https://www.wipo.int//pressroom/zh/articles/2025/article_0007.html
Inventions for photovoltaics increased more than seventeen-fold in three decades
The EPO’s latest report shows significant growth in photovoltaic innovation over the last three decades, fueled by sustainability, energy security, tech progress, and lower costs. Analyzing five – decade trends, it reveals that photovoltaic inventions have grown over seventeen – fold since the late 1990s. Device technologies were dominant from 1990 – 2023, but other sub – areas are gaining ground.
China has become the global leader in photovoltaic patenting in the past 15 years, accounting for 80% of new inventions in 2022. Europe excels in deployment – related technologies. The top 20 IPF applicants from 1990 – 2023 were mainly from Japan.
European startups are active in photovoltaic devices and materials, with a growing focus on applications. Germany, France, Switzerland, and Sweden have high startup activity. European universities are also inventive, especially in devices and materials, with the UK leading in academic patenting. The report includes case studies like a Portuguese sun – tracking mooring platform invention.
USPTO Announces Accelerated Patent Grant Programs with Three Countries
This week in Geneva, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reached agreements with Belize, Guatemala, and the United Arab Emirates. Under these agreements, these countries will grant patents on an accelerated basis to applicants who have a U.S. patent and filed corresponding applications in their countries. Acting Under Secretary Coke Morgan Stewart said these programs are crucial for the USPTO’s international strategy and support President Trump’s agenda. The agreements help U.S. innovators obtain patents faster in partner countries, promote cooperation between patent offices, and create foreign – market opportunities. Partner offices will expedite patent – right grants based on the USPTO’s decision.
USPTO discontinuing Accelerated Examination program for utility applications
Starting from July 10, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will stop accepting petitions under the Accelerated Examination program for utility patent applications. The program will still be available for design applications due to the lack of an alternative expedited examination program. The decision aims to re – allocate examining resources to older, unexamined utility applications to reduce pendency. There has also been a continuous decrease in program requests, with less than 100 applicants using it annually from fiscal years 2014 to 2024.
About Us
MeritsIP: Your Global Intellectual Property Partner
At MeritsIP, we provide comprehensive IP services in biomedicine, medical devices, manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI. We support 200+ top clients globally with strategic, high-quality IP services.
Stay Connected
-
- Website: https://www.meritsipglobal.com
-
- LinkedIn: Follow us on LinkedIn
-
- Email: info@meritsip.com
© 2025 MeritsIP. All Rights Reserved.
