On Nov 26 2025, Chang Tsi & Partners hosted the 2025 Intellectual Property Frontier Legal Forum in Shanghai, bringing together experts from legal practice, academia and international organizations to discuss emerging trends in IP protection and enforcement. The forum focused on key issues such as artificial intelligence and IP law, global trademark protection, legislative updates, and cross-border brand strategy, highlighting the growing importance of intellectual property in international business and innovation.

The event attracted industry professionals, in-house counsel and brand owners from a wide range of sectors, reflecting the increasing demand for strategic and forward-looking IP guidance in a rapidly evolving legal and technological environment. With China continuing to play a major role in global trade and innovation, the forum provided a timely platform for dialogue on how IP law is adapting to new technologies and international market dynamics.

In the opening address, representatives of Chang Tsi & Partners emphasized that intellectual property has evolved from a purely legal concept into a core business asset. In the era of digital transformation and globalization, IP protection is closely tied to corporate strategy, market value and long-term competitiveness.

The firm noted that companies today must look beyond basic registration and enforcement and adopt an integrated IP strategy covering compliance, licensing, enforcement and commercialization. Through organizing this forum, Chang Tsi & Partners aimed to promote cross-border dialogue and share practical experience to help enterprises navigate complex legal environments more effectively.

One of the highlights was an in-depth discussion on AI and intellectual property law, addressing key questions such as ownership of AI-generated content, patent eligibility of algorithm-based inventions, and challenges in evidence collection involving new technologies. Speakers noted that while AI is reshaping innovation, legal frameworks worldwide are still catching up, and enterprises need to take a cautious yet proactive approach to risk management.

Another major theme focused on trademark protection and brand enforcement in China, where speakers shared insights into recent trends in trademark examination, opposition and invalidation proceedings. Practical guidance was offered on how international brands can manage trademark portfolios in China and defend against bad-faith registrations and unfair competition.

Representatives from international organizations and overseas law firms also shared perspectives on cross-border brand protection, particularly for companies expanding into Europe and other global markets. Discussions included changes in international filing strategies, enforcement challenges abroad, and coordination between jurisdictions.

Beyond keynote presentations, the forum featured interactive panel sessions exploring ways to maximize the commercial value of intellectual property.

Legal practitioners and industry representatives discussed how companies can build internal IP management systems, integrate legal risk assessment into R&D processes, and align IP strategies with long-term development goals. The panel also examined how enforcement actions, licensing arrangements and dispute resolution can be used strategically to enhance brand value rather than merely addressing legal risks.

In addition, a series of smaller, focus-group style discussions allowed participants to engage directly with speakers on specialized topics such as trademark distinctiveness, evidence collection, civil and criminal enforcement, and international dispute resolution. These sessions provided practical insight and created a more dynamic learning environment for attendees.

The successful hosting of the forum reflects Chang Tsi & Partners’ long-standing commitment to excellence in intellectual property services. Over the years, the firm has built comprehensive capabilities across trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets and unfair competition, with particular strength in complex dispute resolution and cross-border matters.