Quotable quotes from Boao Forum

Right now, artificial intelligence poses a very critical issue for intellectual property. And this goes in two directions. It is very important we address within the patent systems the proper protection of artificial intelligence. But it is also very important we address the issue of new patents generated by artificial intelligence and as such who owns those technologies, who are the patentees behind inventions developed by artificial intelligence.

Another critical area is crypto technologies, blockchain technology, which now seems to be developing very fast and patent officers around the world need to understand, not only are there issues concerning the protection of critical technologies, but risks and necessary safeguards. NFTs also challenged copyrights, how copyright laws can address those issues seems to be very, very critical.

When we come to the patent area, nano-technology seems to be developing every day, and they pose a serious concern, especially when we come to the discussion of the COVID pandemic, to what extent patents for pharmaceutical products concerning vaccines for COVID or medicine for COVID should be freely accessed and licensed. Although we understand the importance of access to vaccines and medicines, we have to ensure investments will flow to develop those medicines and new technologies for vaccines after COVID.

In order to ensure investments, it is important to have a strong patent system in place as well. So these are all trends internationally, and trends you see around the world and you see in China and in Asia.