In September 2024, INTA Chief Policy Officer Heather Steinmeyer led a delegation to China to meet with local members and government officials. The delegation focused on IP policy, sharing the latest global IP laws and regulations and enhancing cooperation with the Chinese IP community.

Jason Yao, Partner and member of the Management Committee of Wanhuida Intellectual Property, accompanies the delegation in their various meetings in Nanjing, in his capacity of the board member of INTA Foundation. INTA Foundation is a charitable organization that reflects INTA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On 24^th September, the delegation’s first stop was the Jiangsu High People’s Court in Nanjing, where Ms. Steinmeyer met with President Tang Maoren, Vice Presidents Yuan Tao and Cao Meijuan, as well as Chief Judge Liu Li of the IP Tribunal. Ms. Steinmeyer commended the court’s efforts to improve judicial protections and safeguard the legitimate rights of brand owners and consumers. They had an in-depth discussion on damages awards, interim injunctions, and judicial measures against bad-faith filings.

Jason Yao (L1) & Ms. Steinmeyer (R3)

Bilateral meetings between the delegation and the Jiangsu High Court

The delegation later continued with an appearance at the Global Trademark Law and Policy Reform Trends Exchange hosted by the Nanjing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation (Nanjing Intellectual Property Office). The event brought together brand professionals and representatives, more than 50 local government officials, along with other stakeholders, to discuss an array of hot-button issues including parallel imports, transparency and consistency of trademark examination procedure, AI’s potential in content creation and its impact on copyright and trademark protection, brand internationalization and Chinese companies going overseas.

Ms. Steinmeyer

Jason Yao is also present at the meeting.

Group photo of the participants