John Whelan: China expanding its intellectual property operations in Ireland
China's intellectual property sector is undergoing a significant phase of transformation under President Xi Jinping, trying to move beyond its former role as an imitator. Picture: Ng Han Guan/AP
Ireland's worries regarding intellectual property (IP) infringement in China primarily focus on data privacy and security risks, emphasised by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) action in fining TikTok €530m for unlawful data transfers to China. The case highlighted concerns about transparency and the security of user data. But are there other risks in dealing with China?
The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI), in issuing its 2024 Annual Report noted that the increase in national patent applications was due to “a continuing high number of applications received from China”. The IP office received from China 110 of the 774 national patent applications across 2024.
