The 27th Beijing International Science & Technology Expo (BISTE) grandly opened at the China National Convention Center from May 8 to 11, 2025.

I had the honor of representing my company at this year’s expo. As a patent attorney with over two decades of experience in intellectual property (IP), I was deeply impressed by the cutting-edge technologies and innovative products showcased by numerous high-tech enterprises. It reinforced my belief that corporate innovation is closely tied to IP protection.

So, how exactly does intellectual property influence corporate innovation? In my view, it impacts at least the following aspects:

1.Encouraging Innovation Investment

IP rights legally protect a company’s innovations, reducing the risks of imitation and infringement. This protection incentivizes greater investment in R&D, as companies can foresee economic returns from their innovations. For instance, many tech firms file patents when developing new technologies to secure exclusive market rights.

2.Enhancing Innovation Efficiency

IP protection plays a positive role in improving innovation efficiency. Effective IP policies safeguard innovations, granting creators exclusive rights to their work, thereby encouraging further innovation. Additionally, these policies provide a viable business model—by protecting IP, creators can reap rewards and reinvest in more research and development.

3.Facilitating Technology Transfer and Collaboration

IP protection reduces the costs and risks of technology transfer, promoting international exchanges and cooperation. For example, Chinese companies can more quickly absorb advanced technologies and management expertise through IP collaborations with foreign firms, enhancing their competitiveness. Moreover, IP protection encourages multinational corporations to invest and collaborate in China, fostering global supply chain development.

4.Strengthening Market Position and Profitability

Beyond directly incentivizing innovation, IP protection enhances knowledge spillover, further driving corporate innovation. Studies show that IP protection positively impacts corporate profits and market positioning. Empirical analyses reveal that companies experience varying long-term value trends under different IP protection regimes. As an incentive mechanism, IP protection significantly boosts corporate innovation.

5.Shaping Competitive Advantage

IP protection serves as a driving force for innovation—patents provide market exclusivity and technological leadership, while trademarks enhance brand recognition and loyalty, elevating a company’s market competitiveness. Effective IP protection not only helps firms seize market opportunities but also attracts greater consumer attention.

In summary, intellectual property profoundly influences corporate innovation across multiple dimensions—from encouraging R&D investment and facilitating technology transfer to strengthening market position and competitive edge—highlighting its indispensable role.

TDIP & PARTNERS has been a dedicated player in the IP field for over 20 years, serving hundreds of domestic and international enterprises. As an exhibitor at this expo, we aimed to better understand the latest technological trends, enabling us to provide higher-value services that support corporate innovation and growth, so that we and our clients can win together in the future.