In today’s interconnected economy, intellectual property (IP) is no longer a back-office legal matter-it is a strategic driver of global trade, innovation, and competitiveness. Countries across Asia are stepping up their IP policies and innovation frameworks, aligning themselves with global standards while also carving out unique approaches tailored to local strengths.

This September, four countries in Asia-China, Japan, India, and the Philippines-made significant announcements in the IP and innovation space. From global cooperation and bilateral agreements to traditional knowledge protection and innovation rankings, these updates highlight how Asia is reshaping the global IP landscape.

Let’s dive into the key developments.

🇨🇳 China: Hosting the IP5 Trial & Appeal Boards High-Level Meeting

On September 16, 2025, the city of Fuzhou hosted the IP5 Trial and Appeal Boards High-Level Meeting—the first time such a prestigious gathering has been held in China.

The IP5 refers to the world’s five largest intellectual property offices:

• China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)

• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

• European Patent Office (EPO)

• Japan Patent Office (JPO)

• Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)

Together, these offices account for the vast majority of patent filings worldwide, making their cooperation vital for global innovation governance.

Why This Meeting Matters

• New Cooperation Mechanisms: The trial and appeal boards of IP5 offices agreed to deepen collaboration, sharing best practices and harmonizing approaches.

• User Guide Launch: The meeting saw the inaugural release of the User Guide of IP5 Trial and Appeal Procedures, giving innovators and businesses greater clarity when pursuing appeals across different jurisdictions.

• China’s Leadership Role: Deputy Commissioner Hu Wenhui emphasized China’s willingness to contribute “Chinese wisdom and solutions” to the global IP system, signaling Beijing’s intention to be a leader in shaping innovation-friendly policies.

For businesses, this cooperation means more transparency, consistency, and predictability when navigating international IP disputes.

🇯🇵 Japan: Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) with Bahrain

On September 19, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, in Tokyo.

During the summit, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce to establish a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program, scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026.

What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?

The PPH allows applicants who receive a favorable ruling on a patent application in one participating country to fast-track examination in another participating country. This significantly reduces duplication, examination time, and costs.

Key Benefits of the Japan-Bahrain PPH

• Faster Patent Protection: Japanese companies entering the Bahraini market will enjoy quicker and more reliable IP rights.

• Mutual Economic Growth: Bahrain gains from stronger ties with Japanese innovation, while Japan’s companies expand into a growing Gulf market.

• Efficiency in IP Systems: By leveraging shared examination results, patent offices can focus resources on genuine novelty assessments rather than repeating prior work.

This agreement also reflects Japan’s strategy to expand its IP influence beyond Asia into the Middle East, creating new opportunities for technology transfer, investment, and cross-border innovation.

🇮🇳 India: New Guidelines for AYUSH-Related Inventions

India continues to strike a delicate balance between protecting traditional knowledge and promoting modern innovation. This month, the Indian Patent Office (IPO) released its Guidelines for Examination of AYUSH-Related Inventions, 2025.

Understanding AYUSH

AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy—traditional knowledge systems deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage. With global wellness markets booming, AYUSH products, nutraceuticals, and therapies are gaining international demand.

Key Features of the AYUSH Guidelines 2025

1. Preventing Misappropriation

   • The guidelines safeguard against unauthorized patenting of knowledge already recorded in traditional texts or databases such as the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).

2. Encouraging Genuine Innovation

   • Patents are granted only for inventions that go beyond traditional formulations, requiring novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.

3. Structured Examination Process

   • Applications undergo filing, screening, classification, and detailed examination-including prior art searches through AYUSH and TKDL.

4. Focus on Synergism

   • Examiners look for evidence of unexpected results or synergistic effects, ensuring that patents reward genuine scientific advancements rather than rebranded traditional remedies.

5. Compliance with Biodiversity Laws

   • Ensures alignment with India’s Biological Diversity Act to prevent exploitation of natural resources.

Why It’s Important

These guidelines are a milestone because they:

• Protect India’s rich repository of traditional knowledge.

• Provide clarity for researchers, startups, and wellness businesses entering the global market.

• Encourage a pipeline of innovative, science-backed AYUSH products with international patent protection.

🇵🇭 Philippines: Innovation Ranking Rises in GII 2025

On September 16, 2025, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) hosted a viewing session for the launch of the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Philippines achieved a major milestone, rising from 53rd in 2024 to 50th in 2025, and retained its classification as an innovation overperformer.

What is the Global Innovation Index (GII)?

The GII ranks economies worldwide based on their innovation capacity and performance, using over 80 indicators, including:

• Political and regulatory environment

• Education and research capacity

• Infrastructure and credit markets

• Outputs such as technology, intangible assets, and creative products

Why the Philippines’ Performance Stands Out

• Steady Climb: A three-rank jump reflects resilience amid global challenges.

• National Innovation Council (NIC): Chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the NIC coordinates innovation policies across 22 government agencies.

• Global Recognition: WIPO Director General Daren Tang highlighted the Philippines as part of a broader trend of emerging economies driving innovation growth.

For startups, entrepreneurs, and investors, this ranking signals the Philippines as a growing hub for innovation in Southeast Asia.

Final Thoughts: Asia as a Global IP Powerhouse

The September 2025 updates from China, Japan, India, and the Philippines show that Asia is not just catching up-it is leading the transformation of global IP systems and innovation ecosystems.

• China is asserting itself as a leader in global IP governance.

• Japan is forging cross-border IP partnerships to strengthen global efficiency.

• India is pioneering ways to integrate traditional knowledge into modern patent law.

• The Philippines is steadily climbing the global innovation ladder, punching above its economic weight.

For businesses, innovators, and policymakers, these developments underscore one truth: Asia is central to the future of intellectual property and innovation strategy.