Beijing buzzed this week as innovators, scholars and IP experts gathered for the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference under the theme 'IP in the Digital Age.' Over two days, more than 160 domestic and international speakers joined 8,000 participants to explore how data, AI and emerging technologies are reshaping global industries.
Data has emerged as a powerhouse in the digital economy. In 2024 alone, China generated 41.06 zettabytes (ZB) of data – roughly 26.7 percent of global output and enough to produce over 13 million high-complexity 3D animated films like Ne Zha 2. Core digital sectors contributed more than 10 percent of GDP, and the national data market topped 160 billion yuan ($22.4 billion).
Hu Wenhui, deputy commissioner at the China National Intellectual Property Administration, stressed that stronger protections for data intellectual property are key to tomorrow's innovation. 'We'll build a system that adapts to the information-based, networked and intelligent era,' Hu said, highlighting plans to safeguard legally obtained data sets with practical value.
Since 2021, pilot programs in 17 provinces have tested data IP registrations. By June 2025, authorities processed 58,000 applications and issued nearly 30,000 certificates, with enterprises accounting for over 90 percent of filings. Financing and credit for registered data surpassed 10 billion yuan, and transaction licensing topped 580 million yuan.
Registrations now cover 83 of 97 major industry categories, led by information transmission, software and IT services, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail – together making up more than half of applications. This data-centric momentum offers a blueprint for global startups and tech hubs aiming to turn information into competitive advantage.
As data takes center stage, the conference underscored a clear message: in today's digital race, building robust IP rules around information assets isn't just policy – it's a growth engine for businesses and economies worldwide.
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China's IP conference spotlights data as intellectual property
cgtn.com
