On July 20, 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Austrian Patent Office (APO) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Geneva, Switzerland. CNIPA Commissioner Shen Changyu and APO President Stefan Harasek signed the document on behalf of their respective offices.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the CNIPA-APO bilateral partnership. The signing of the updated MoU represents another important milestone in deepening cooperation between the two offices, following their bilateral meeting in Vienna in July 2025.

According to the MoU, the two offices will strengthen practical cooperation, particularly in areas including an exchange of IP knowledge and experience and the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program. These efforts aim to further promote mutual understanding of the respective IP systems and facilitate efficient protection of innovations for both Austrian and Chinese companies in each other's markets.

The renewed agreement reflects the continuing commitment of both offices to international cooperation in patent examination and IP administration, and to providing streamlined pathways for applicants seeking protection in both jurisdictions.

Original Link：https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2026/7/20/art_1340_207257.html