The State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) participated in the International Symposium on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions, held on November 5-7, 2024. The event was organized by the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) in cooperation with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and was held in Wenzhou, China, a region known for its cultural richness. The meeting attracted representatives from over 15 countries.
The symposium kicked off with two days dedicated to cultural and documentary visits to reference locations for Chinese cultural expressions. On the first day, the participating delegations visited the Wenzhou Copyright Museum, the historic Wuma Street and Bailu Square, all local symbols that reflect how traditional cultural expressions are preserved and promoted in contemporary society. Afterwards, the participants explored the Zhitong Art Museum and the Donghai Shell Sculpture Museum, places that illustrate various forms of folk art and crafts specific to the region.
The next day, the program continued with visits to Dongyuan Village, famous for woodblock printing – a centuries-old traditional Chinese art. Delegates then proceeded to the Footwear Industry Copyright Services Center where they discussed the importance of intellectual property protection in specific manufacturing sectors. These visits gave the participants a first-hand insight into Chinese cultural practices and emphasized the active role of copyright in protecting and valorizing the national cultural heritage.
On the third day, nearly 250 participants gathered for the symposium’s official sessions, where policies and strategies for the protection of cultural expressions were presented and discussed. On this day, the representative of the Republic of Moldova, Victoria Severin, principal specialist in the International Relations and European Integration Division of AGEPI, gave a presentation about our country’s experience in protecting traditional cultural expressions and the role of intellectual property in supporting sustainable development. It highlighted the initiatives of the Republic of Moldova for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, bringing examples of cooperation at the local and international level that contribute to the recognition and protection of the unique cultural identity.
The participants of the symposium had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and solutions regarding the protection of traditional cultural expressions, to share good practices and to identify future directions of international cooperation. The event highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for promoting cultural diversity and supporting local communities.
