2026-08-25 International Patent Protection Strategy – PIRP Meeting with an ACPAA Delegation

Patent protection is not simply a choice between obtaining a national or a European patent. Effective protection of innovation requires a coherent strategy taking into account different jurisdictions, available procedures and the markets that matter to the business.

On 2026-08-25, the Polish Chamber of Patent Attorneys (PIRP) hosted a delegation from the All-China Patent Attorneys Association (ACPAA) for a meeting devoted to European and Chinese intellectual property systems and the practical aspects of developing international IP protection strategies.

During the meeting, Dr Marek Bury presented “Poland on the European Intellectual Property Map: National, European and Unitary Routes to IP Protection in Europe”. The presentation discussed Poland’s position within the European intellectual property system and the different routes available for obtaining patent protection – from national filings, through European patents and the PCT system, to European patents with unitary effect.

The European perspective was complemented by a presentation by Xu Xun of ACPAA on the protection of innovative pharmaceuticals in China. Víctor Arribas Martínez of the EPO Observatory also presented the EPO Deep Tech Finder, a tool providing insight into European companies and technologies active in the deep-tech sector.

The meeting was also attended by Zeng Fanfu and Li Qiang of ACPAA and, on the PIRP side, Paweł Kurcman, Magdalena Krekora, Monika Weingärtner and Monika Chimiak.

The discussions provided an opportunity not only to compare European and Chinese approaches to intellectual property protection, but also to address a broader question: how different protection mechanisms can be combined into a coherent international patent strategy.

A Polish patent, a European patent, unitary effect, a PCT application or direct national filings are ultimately tools. Their actual value depends on how they are combined and used in light of the technology, relevant markets, competitive environment and business objectives.

Differences between patent systems concern more than procedures and costs. Details of local law and practice may significantly affect what should be protected, where protection should be sought and when particular steps should be taken. International patent protection should therefore be approached as part of a broader business strategy rather than as a series of independent filings in individual jurisdictions.