On August 27, 2026, the 2026 AIPPI China Youth Intellectual Property Dialogue, organized by AIPPI China with support from IP Observer, was held in Weihai, Shandong Province. Under the theme "New Paradigms of Intellectual Property, New Drivers of Industrial Vitality", the event featured 12 thematic sessions covering artificial intelligence, patent prosecution and portfolio strategies, trademark protection, judicial protection of intellectual property, and international IP protection. Professional discussions were conducted in English and Japanese.
Six representatives from Liu Shen & Associates—CHEN Chen, HAN Xiao, HOU Chunyi, LI Yu, LI Ziyang, and LUO Jueting—participated in the event as speakers or session moderators. SHAO Yali, Deputy Director and Partner of Liu Shen, delivered the closing remarks in English on behalf of AIPPI China.
Layout and Full Lifecycle Practice of SEP
During the English-language session on "Patent Prosecution and Portfolio Strategies", CHEN Chen delivered a presentation entitled "Layout and Full Lifecycle Practice of SEP — Drafting, Prosecution, Invalidation and Infringement Determination". Drawing on practical case studies, she examined key issues arising throughout the lifecycle of standard-essential patents (SEPs), from patent drafting and prosecution to invalidation proceedings and infringement assessment. She also shared practical insights into claim drafting, patent validity and stability, and global patent filing strategies.
Full-Chain Patent Strategy and Litigation in Audio-Visual Codec Technology
During the English-language session on "Emerging Patent Issues and Response Strategies", HAN Xiao delivered a presentation entitled "Full-Chain Patent Strategy and Litigation in Audio-Visual Codec Technology". Drawing on the evolution of audio and video coding standards and relevant patent litigation in recent years, HAN discussed patent portfolio strategies during the development of technical standards. The presentation also addressed contentious issues, including whether patents relating to encoding technologies qualify as SEPs and the associated fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing obligations.
Moderating the Session on Emerging Patent Issues and Response Strategies
HOU Chunyi moderated the English-language session on "Emerging Patent Issues and Response Strategies". The session addressed a range of topical patent law issues, including the application of the Bolar exemption in the agrochemical sector, regulatory protection of pharmaceutical test data, patent strategies for audio-visual codec technologies, and judicial practice in intellectual property disputes.
Transboundary Brand Collaborations: From Pre-execution to Termination
During the English-language session on "Emerging Issues in Trademark Protection," LI Yu delivered a presentation entitled "Transboundary Brand Collaborations: From Pre-execution to Termination". Drawing on relevant judicial decisions, LI examined the legal risks associated with cross-industry brand collaborations at three key stages: before entering into an agreement, during contractual performance, and following termination. The presentation addressed practical considerations involving licensing and authorization arrangements, legally effective trademark use, evidence preservation, the handling of remaining inventory, and contractual exit mechanisms. LI also discussed strategies for identifying and managing legal risks throughout the lifecycle of brand collaborations.
Moderating the Session on Challenges and Responses in IP Protection
LI Ziyang moderated the Japanese-language session on "Challenges and Responses in Intellectual Property Protection". The session covered civil liability arising from AI applications in China and Japan, the use of AI-generated content (AIGC) in responding to patent examination communications and related compliance considerations, patent enforcement in China, and patent portfolio strategies and litigation involving new energy vehicle batteries.
Patentability of AI-Related Applications in Different Jurisdictions
During the English-language session on "Patent Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", LUO Jueting delivered a presentation entitled "Patentability of AI-Related Applications in Different Jurisdictions". Focusing on inventive step and non-obviousness in AI-related patent applications, LUO examined relevant patent examination standards and case law in China, Europe and the United States. She compared how AI- and algorithm-related technical features are taken into account when assessing inventive step or non-obviousness under different legal frameworks and offered practical recommendations for drafting patent applications involving AI technologies.
At the closing ceremony, SHAO Yali, Deputy Director and Partner of Liu Shen, delivered the closing remarks in English on behalf of AIPPI China. In her remarks, SHAO reflected on the day's discussions and highlighted the implications of rapid technological advances, the increasing internationalization of IP practice, and the important role of young IP professionals in shaping the future of the profession. She also expressed her appreciation to the speakers, participants and organizers for their contributions to the event.
（Second Prize: HAN Xiao）
（Third Prize: LUO Jueting）
The AIPPI China Youth Intellectual Property Dialogue provided a valuable platform for young IP professionals to exchange professional insights, engage with peers and broaden their international perspectives. Liu Shen remains committed to supporting its professionals' participation in domestic and international IP forums, staying abreast of emerging legal and technological developments, and continuously strengthening its professional capabilities to better serve clients in an evolving intellectual property landscape.
