To enable our IP community to plan ahead for a better year in 2025, it is important to study the key highlights related to intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the 2024 Policy Address, and explore all innovation and growth opportunities.
A. Strengthening Hong Kong's Position as a Regional IP Trading Centre
The 2024 Policy Address emphasizes the role of IP-intensive industries in driving economic growth and outlines several initiatives to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a leading regional IP trading hub by expanding the IP trading ecosystem within the innovation and technology (I&T) sector and creative industries.
1. Enhancing the Legislative Framework for IP
By 2025, a proposal will be introduced to update the Copyright Ordinance to safeguard AI technology development. Additionally, a new subsidiary legislation will be enacted under the Copyright Ordinance to define eligible libraries, museums, and archives for specific permitted acts and conditions, and designate non-government-owned libraries, museums, and archives that can be exempted from certain criminal liabilities. Furthermore, a public consultation will be launched to modernize the registered designs regime, and legislative amendments will also be proposed to streamline IP litigation processes in the High Court, ensuring more efficient case management and adjudication.
2. AI-Assisted Trade Mark Services
The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) will launch a new AI-assisted image search service in 2025 to enhance trade mark search efficiency and accuracy, assisting businesses and individuals in navigating the Hong Kong trade mark database.
3. Advancing International Trade Mark Registration
Preparatory efforts are progressing towards implementing the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks in Hong Kong by 2025.
4. Fostering the Development of the Patent System
Hong Kong is advancing the patent system with the establishment of a WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Centre by 2025, offering specialized services including patent search and analysis. Efforts are underway to enhance the substantive examination capabilities of the patent examination team at the IPD, aiming to increase the number of examiners to around 100 by 2030, ultimately achieving institutional autonomy in patent examination.
5. Participation in the WIPO Lex-Judgments Database
Supported by the Central Government, Hong Kong will join the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Lex-Judgments Database in 2025, sharing significant IP case precedents from Hong Kong courts with the international community, so as to highlight the quality of Hong Kong's IP-related judicial decisions.
6. Nurturing IP Talents
The government is collaborating with the patent agent sector and stakeholders to establish regulatory arrangements for local patent agent services, focusing on qualifications and registration. The IPD, in partnership with the Qualifications Framework Secretariat, will develop practical IP teaching materials by 2025 for training personnel in 23 different industries.
B. Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Across Various Sectors
The 2024 Policy Address also highlights the transformative potential of AI across various sectors:
1. Digital Transformation of Public Services
• The Digital Policy Office is introducing a pilot program using a locally developed generative AI document processing application in various government departments;
• Around 20 new digital government and smart city initiatives will be launched, including utilizing blockchain technology for issuing electronic certificates for civil service exams and electronic licensing by the Fire Services Department, and utilizing AI for managing public inquiries;
• The Government will continue implementing the Smart Customs Blueprint, using AI to expedite customs clearance and combat customs-related offences;
• The Hong Kong Housing Authority will establish a Centralized Estate Management Platform in 10 housing estates by 2025, utilizing AI, Internet of Things sensors, and mobile devices to improve daily estate management; and
• AI will also be used for big data analysis on public works projects to enhance management efficiency and project performance.
2. Developing the Low-Altitude Economy
The low-altitude economy involves activities within airspace below 1,000 metres, including rescues and goods delivery. AI and digital technology advancements in this area will unlock new economic opportunities and drive development in telecommunication technologies.
3. Establishing a Fintech Innovation Ecosystem
The Government is fostering innovative financial services such as Central Bank Digital Currencies, mobile payment, virtual banks, virtual insurance, and virtual asset transactions. A forthcoming policy statement will outline the Government’s stance on AI application in the financial market, promoting responsible AI use.
4. Enhancing I&T Infrastructure
Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre will begin operationsin phases, offering at least 300 petaflops of computing power to support local universities, R&D institutes and enterprises. An AI Subsidy Scheme will be launched to promote the development of the local AI ecosystem.
5. Promoting STEAM Education
Efforts are underway to integrate AI into education. The Education Bureau will launch a pilot scheme for AIassisted teaching in secondary schools. Additionally, the Education Bureau will partner with the Hong Kong Education City to provide AI-related training for teachers and students.
6. Enhancing Cultural Confidence and Revitalizing Tourism
AI will be leveraged to promote smart tourism, with initiatives providing one-stop assistance and attraction recommendations. This approach will enhance service quality and help position Hong Kong as a premier tourist destination.
7. Advancing Primary Healthcare Development
AI will assist in health screenings, with projects like lung cancer screening being explored to improve early detection and treatment efficiency in primary healthcare.
8. Protecting Public Safety
AI will be instrumental in anti-deception efforts, with the government enhancing the use of technology to prevent fraudulent activities. Initiatives will include extending the Suspicious Account Alert coverage to ATM transactions.
Conclusion
The 2024 Policy Address highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing its IP framework and utilizing AI to drive progress across various sectors. These efforts are expected to boost innovation, support economic growth, foster international competitiveness, and create a sustainable future for Hong Kong. We look forward to a great year ahead and seeing how these policies will unfold in 2025.
