On September 17 - 19, 2025, the 10th IP Forefront Pharma Forum (IFPF), which is jointly organized by YIP Events, IP ForeFront and Compliance PLUS, is held in Shanghai. Themed “Developing IP Strategy for Global Pharma Markets”, the event attracts the attendance of around 800 IP practitioners in pharmaceuticals and life sciences field.
The Forum features a one-day Pre-forum Symposium and fully packed two-day program. The Pre-forum Symposium concentrates on a slew of matters, including “Examination and Confirmation of Large Molecule Drug Patents”, “A Decade of Transformation in China's Pharma IP”, “Patent Strategy for Conjugated Drugs”, “UK and European Pharma Patent Strategy”, “Patent Invalidation and Determination of Priority”, “Licensing Transactions and IP Management”, “TCM IP Protection”, among others.
The two-day program addresses a variety of hot-button issues including “Transformation and Development of China's Pharma IP”, “Generic Drug and Innovative Drug Dynamics and Strategy”, “Patent Challenges from an Overseas Perspective”, as well as “Patent Challenges from a Global Perspective”.
On September 18th, “Panel Discussion: Patent Protection and Realization of Innovation Value for Second Medical Uses: Status and Future” is held.
Xie Minnan, Partner of Wanhuida Intellectual Property, shares insights on “Inventiveness Analysis of Second Medical Use Inventions: A Comparison of Approaches Within and Outside Different Jurisdictions, Focusing on Drafting, Examination, and Protection”. Minnan delves into a comparative analysis of the regime and best practice among a few selected jurisdictions, addressing issues encompassing the patent subject matter, drafting strategy, jurisdictions allowing first medical use and the difference thereof, extended technical solution (dosage regimen & patient subgroup), as well as oversea protection over maximized interests of the innovators.
Fellow panelists include Dr. Wei Gao, IP Director, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical (Group), Kai Qu, IP Head, Hengrui Phamra, and Qian Ma, Biopharma IP Director, Simcere Pharmaceutical.
Minnan (Miranda) Xie
Panel Discussion
The firm’s Partner Hu Honghui also attends the forum.