On September 12, 2023, the Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property (SICIP) held the 2023 Orientation Ceremony for new students of Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property and Opening Ceremony of WIPO-Tongji Master’s Degree Program in Intellectual Property and Chinese Government “Belt and Road” Master’s Degree Program in Intellectual Property.

Prof. Lei Xinghui, Vice President of Tongji University, Ms.Sheng Li, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department of CNIPA, Ms. Martha Chikowore, Acting Head of WIPO Academy, Mr. Yu Chen, Deputy Director-General of Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, Dr. Peter Ganea, Deputy Director and Researcher of the Tongji Sino-European Innovation Policy and Law Research Center, Ms. Mi Jing from WIPO China Office and Prof. Li Mingde attended the opening ceremony. This year, a total of 10 PhD students, 45 Master students and 17 international students from 14 countries including Cambodia, South Africa, Tajikistan and Georgia enrolled. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Yu Xinmiao , Vice President of SICIP.

Ms.Sheng Li, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department of CNIPA pointed out that, supporting joint construction of cultivation of intellectual property talents in the “Belt and Road”countries is an important part of Belt and Road  intellectual property cooperation. Since the beginning of the program in 2017, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (the CNIPA)，together with concerned countries, have achieved remarkable results in promoting the transformation of “Belt and Road” construction from idea to implementation. Students present here have chosen a college with strong comprehensive power and a profession with bright future. It is hoped that when study in Tongji University, everyone will be strict with themselves, carry out fully communication and make continuous progress. All student are expected to grow up into a new generation of power and become friendly ambassadors between China and other countries.

Mr.Yu Chen, Deputy Director-General of Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, delivered his genuine congratulations to new students. Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration focuses on building an international hub city of intellectual property, improving international capabilities and benchmarking against international first-class standards. It also aims to build an international talent training system for intellectual property talents, and has positively supported the international cooperation and talents cultivation between the SICIP and WIPO and other prestigious international institutes of intellectual property as well. Mr Yu stated that students shall cherish their time at the SICIP, Tongji University and strive to become pioneers in driving the development of global intellectual property, caring for what our economy and society demand, equipping themselves with strong skills.

Prof.Lei Xinghui, Vice President of Tongji University, sent his warm congratulations to all the students. He noted that Tongji University has actively responded to the national intellectual property strategy and promoted the cultivation of intellectual property talents in depth. The SICIP has gathered a group of top experts and scholars in intellectual property from home and abroad, contributing to the cultivation of high-end intellectual property talents worldwide. Prof.Lei hoped that students will have the courage to be the explorers, climbers and strivers of the new era; hold fast to their ideals and embrace the world; look up to the stars and aspire to great heights; embark on a wonderful journey of learning at Tongji University, find like-minded partners, and contribute to the development of intellectual property in their respective countries and the construction of a new global order characterized by fairness and justice.

Dr. Peter Ganea, Deputy Director and Researcher of the Tongji Sino-European Innovation Policy and Law Research Center, teacher representative of the SICIP at the same time, introduced his connection with the intellectual property discipline of Tongji University and was delighted to be a member of the SICIP. This semester, He takes part in teaching in WIPO-Tongji MIP in Industrial Property and hopes to communicate with students and learn from each other in the course. Additionally, he is responsible for the internationalization research and exchange of the SICIP, and expects students to actively participate in the exchange activities of the SICIP, so as to improve their capacity for research and communication.

Wang Tingxuan and Tamar Kapanadze, student representative of WIPO-Tongji MIP in Industrial Property, along with Nursima Buyuk, student representative of Chinese Government “Belt and Road” Master’s Degree Program in Intellectual Property, Tang Yuhan, representative of new PhD students, delivered a speech on behalf of all the new students about their reflections upon enrollment. They stated that they value the opportunity to study in the SICIP, Tongji University and wish to make full use of the abundant resources and high-level international platforms offered by the SICIP under the guidance of tutors and the institute. Equipped with resolution, perseverance and the spirit to collaborate, they are prepared to explore the future development of intellectual property and contribute to the promotion of economic growth, innovative breakthroughs and social progress.