The IP Go-Global Business Matching Session, jointly organized by the Intellectual Property Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation, was held today at Science City in Guangzhou. The event arranged approximately 50 one-to-one business matching meetings between Guangdong enterprises and Hong Kong intellectual property (IP) service providers, alongside a networking luncheon and thematic seminar that attracted over 150 industry participants.
This initiative aims to assist Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding into international markets by utilizing Hong Kong as a primary launchpad, while strengthening Guangdong-Hong Kong collaboration in the IP field and enhancing global competitiveness. Building on the success of the 15th Business of IP Asia Forum in December 2025, which featured a dedicated IP Go-Global Business Matching Session, this event serves as a key initiative under the Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation framework, reinforcing Hong Kong's unique role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in national development.
Peter Wong, HKTDC’s Regional Director of Southern China, emphasized that amid the country's proactive promotion of expansion and high-quality development under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Guangdong enterprises are actively seeking overseas markets, driving sustained demand for internationally oriented IP services, particularly in overseas IP protection and dispute resolution. He noted that Hong Kong's legal and IP system aligns with international standards, and its well-established professional services sector positions Hong Kong to provide value-added, comprehensive support to Mainland enterprises, enabling them to protect innovations, mitigate operational risks, and enhance overall competitiveness.
David Wong, Director of Intellectual Property of the HKSAR Government, highlighted that in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, Hong Kong's global competitiveness rose to second globally. He stated that Hong Kong, with its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, a sound common law system, an international business environment, and world-class professional services, is an ideal platform for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas.
The event brought together government representatives, enterprises, and IP professionals from both regions, including a delegation of around 20 representatives nominated by associations such as the Asian Patent Attorneys Association Hong Kong Group, the Hong Kong Chinese Patent Attorneys Association, the Hong Kong Institute of Patent Practitioners Ltd, the Hong Kong Institute of Trade Mark Practitioners, and The Law Society of Hong Kong (Intellectual Property Committee). Their participation highlights Hong Kong's strengths in international legal and professional services and consolidates its role as a strategic platform for Mainland enterprises seeking global expansion.
The business matching sessions focused on aligning with practical needs, promoting direct exchanges between Guangdong’s innovation, technology, and cultural enterprises, and Hong Kong’s IP service providers. The initiative aims to understand key needs of Guangdong enterprises in global expansion and showcase Hong Kong’s diverse IP professional services. By establishing a regular exchange and matching platform, the collaboration enhances cooperation in IP protection, utilization, and services, promoting regional innovation and industrial upgrading.
The thematic seminar covered key issues related to global expansion, including IP risk management, cross-border dispute resolution, global patent portfolio strategies, and international development approaches. It also introduced Hong Kong’s favorable business environment and relevant support policies, providing practical insights to help enterprises achieve steady growth in a complex global landscape.
The HKTDC will continue to work closely with stakeholders to promote cross-border exchange and cooperation platforms, facilitate complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland in professional services, strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP trading centre, and support enterprises in seizing opportunities and expanding internationally.
