International forum in China focuses on copyrights, global cultural exchange

An international forum aimed at promoting global cultural prosperity through copyright exchanges opened on Monday in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China, located in Jiangxi province.

The 2024 International Copyright Forum, co-hosted by the National Copyright Administration of China and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), focused on how copyrights and creative industries can drive sustainable development. The event also sought to strengthen global copyright cooperation and advance high-quality growth in the sector.

China has always prioritized intellectual property protection, making significant efforts to support the copyright industry and engage in global governance, according to the administration.

The administration said the critical role of copyright, calling it a core area of intellectual property that contributes to social development when effectively created, protected, and utilized. Copyright is vital to preserving cultures, fostering social innovation, and promoting the exchange of ideas between civilizations.

"It is essential to enhance copyright protection and fully utilize copyrights to drive high-quality development," the administration said, adding that China is committed to deepening copyright cooperation and working with other countries to improve international rules governing the industry.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang said these sentiments, highlighting the importance of copyrights in connecting cultures, histories, and heritages. Tang pointed to Jingdezhen's status as an international hub for exchange, crediting its openness, innovation, and strong intellectual property protection for the success of its ceramic industry.

"WIPO is ready to collaborate with all parties to provide intellectual property support for creators, cultures, and heritages from around the world," Tang said.

Wan Guangming, vice-governor of Jiangxi, said the province will continue to improve its legal system regarding copyright protection, with a focus on the application of copyright data and encouraging innovation.

The two-day forum, which attracted around 300 guests from China and abroad, will feature discussions on hot topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in creation and the impact of copyrights on the sustainable development of creative industries.