IP Go-Global Business Matching Session Facilitates Expansion of Mainland Enterprises via Hong Kong

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, co-organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Intellectual Property Office of Guangzhou Development District, and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, arranged some 50 one-to-one business matching meetings between Guangdong enterprises and Hong Kong IP service providers.

In addition to the business matching sessions, the event featured a networking luncheon and a thematic seminar, attracting more than 150 industry participants. The initiative aims to help Chinese Mainland enterprises expand into international markets by leveraging Hong Kong as their primary launchpad, enhancing Guangdong-Hong Kong collaboration in the intellectual property field, and strengthening global competitiveness.

Building on the success of the 15th Business of IP Asia Forum held in December 2025, where a dedicated IP Go-Global Business Matching Session was first hosted, this event serves as one of the key initiatives under the Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation framework. It further reinforces Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in overall national development.

Peter Wong, HKTDC’s Regional Director of Southern China, noted that against the backdrop of the country’s proactive promotion of expansion and its emphasis on high-quality development under the 15th Five-Year Plan, enterprises in Guangdong are actively expanding into overseas markets, driving sustained demand for internationally oriented IP services, particularly in overseas IP protection and dispute resolution. “Hong Kong’s legal and intellectual property system aligns with international standards, and with its well-established professional services sector, Hong Kong is positioned to provide value-added, comprehensive support to Mainland enterprises,” he said.

David Wong, Director of Intellectual Property of the HKSAR Government, highlighted that in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness has risen to second globally. “Hong Kong is equipped with the unique advantages of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, a sound common law system, an international business environment and world-class professional services, and is an ideal platform for Mainland enterprises to expand into overseas markets,” he added.

The event brought together government representatives, enterprises, and IP professionals from both Guangdong and Hong Kong. A delegation of around 20 representatives nominated by associations of IP practitioners, including 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), participated in the event, highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths in international legal and professional services.

The business matching sessions focused on aligning with practical needs, promoting direct exchanges between Guangdong’s innovation & technology, cultural and creative enterprises, and Hong Kong’s IP service providers. The initiative serves a dual purpose: to better understand the key needs of Guangdong enterprises in their global expansion efforts, and to showcase Hong Kong’s diverse IP professional services. The arrangements are designed to enhance collaboration outcomes by establishing a regular exchange and matching platform, strengthening cooperation in IP protection, utilization and services, promoting regional innovation and industrial upgrading, and fostering long-term partnerships.

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 favourable business environment and relevant support policies, providing forward-looking and practical insights to help enterprises achieve steady growth amid a complex and evolving global landscape.

The HKTDC will continue to work closely with stakeholders to promote more cross-border exchange and cooperation platforms, facilitate complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland in professional services, further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP trading centre, and support enterprises in seizing opportunities and expanding internationally.