In this interview, we speak with Mr. Gong, founder of CoCreateIP, a leading law firm specializing in intellectual property. With over 19 years of experience in IP law, including his qualification as a European Patent Attorney, Mr. Gong has played a significant role in helping Chinese companies navigate the complexities of European patent law. He shares his insights into the motivations behind founding CoCreateIP, the lessons he has learned along the way, and his vision for the future of intellectual property protection in Europe.
Mr. Gong, what motivated you to form CoCreate, why did you believe this law firm was best suited to the needs of the industry, and how does your 19 years of IP experience add value to your work and the firm?
I began my career in IP in 2005 as a Patent Manager for a university tech transfer office, supporting professors in licensing their projects to companies. This experience allowed me to witness the evolution of IP development and the growing awareness of intellectual property in China, particularly in advanced regions like Jiangsu.
Additionally, I had opportunities to visit other tech transfer centers abroad and collaborate with foreign IP lawyers from the perspective of a research institution. When I transitioned from my first role to join a European law firm, the career path was not entirely clear, but I recognized IP's potential for growth worldwide. After six years with leading European firms and earning my qualification as a European Patent Attorney, I saw that high-value patents were critical for rapidly developing economies. This insight highlighted opportunities for industries like telecommunications and renewable energy (such as power battery technology), which are poised for growth both in Europe and globally. The demand for patent applications at the EPO further reinforced my decision to establish CoCreateIP.
When you created your law firm, what lessons did you learn, and how has this changed the way you work to this day?
Founding my firm taught me invaluable lessons. Key pillars of my business and success have been effective communication, cross-cultural management, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. These elements continue to guide our firm's operations and growth.
How do you assist Chinese companies in overcoming challenges when applying for European patents through the European Patent Office in Munich?
For overseas companies, especially those from countries still developing their IP frameworks, the European patent process can be complex. Our firm-myself as a European Patent Attorney, along with our dedicated team of paralegals and associate attorneys-provides comprehensive support to help clients navigate the procedural challenges of obtaining patents at the EPO.
What are some common hurdles Chinese firms face when protecting their intellectual property in Europe, and how does CoCreateIP address these?
Chinese companies seeking European patents often face challenges related to language barriers and significant legal differences. For applicants coming from emerging IP regions into a mature IP landscape like the EU, the process can be both demanding and costly. We assist our clients by not only bridging language gaps but, more importantly, by cultivating their understanding of IP rights and helping them build a strong IP portfolio in Europe.
Can you explain how CoCreateIP prepares for future patent litigation, particularly in cases involving European unitary patents?
CoCreateIP's primary focus is patent prosecution. While we have attorneys qualified to litigate European Unitary Patents, litigation represents a distinct practice area within the European patent landscape. As we consider future opportunities in this field, we are closely monitoring developments and learning from ongoing cases. Our current priority, however, remains excelling in patent prosecution, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong market position in this area.
How do you manage complex cross-border patent cases while collaborating with patent attorneys from multiple countries?
Managing complex global patent portfolios requires substantial practical experience, knowledge of diverse patent laws, and continuous study of foreign regulations and important decisions. We prioritize these elements when collaborating with attorneys in various jurisdictions to deliver cohesive and effective representation.
How does CoCreateIP's multilingual team enhance your ability to provide timely and effective services to clients across different legal jurisdictions?
Our multilingual team enhances our ability to deliver timely and effective services for clients at the EPO, aligning well with the EPO's multicultural environment. We consider ourselves a multicultural team, not just multilingual, as our diverse backgrounds enable us to understand and navigate the European patent convention framework more effectively. This diversity positions us to provide services that truly reflect the range of cultural perspectives needed for success in European patent prosecution.
How does your firm support small and medium-sized businesses in managing the cost and complexities of securing European intellectual property rights?
Alongside our work with large industrial clients, we are dedicated to supporting SMEs from Germany and other European countries. Our focus includes guiding small and medium-sized businesses through the process of securing European patents. We help these clients strike a balance between the costs of prosecution, IP dispute resolution, and other financial considerations when building their IP portfolios. We value the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs from SMEs, working together to develop sustainable and effective IP strategies.
What trends do you foresee in European patent law, particularly those impacting your Chinese clients, and how is CoCreateIP preparing to adapt to these changes?
European patent law developments impact clients uniformly, regardless of origin. At CoCreateIP, we prioritize staying up-to-date with these changes, understanding the implications of recent cases, and ensuring our clients remain informed about relevant developments. We operate as a continuous learning organization, committed to training and growth. We actively seek passionate and ambitious attorneys and candidates to join our team in navigating these evolving challenges. Our firm offers a robust training program for all employees, including office assistants, to support their professional development.
