During an official visit to Beijing, President Campinos received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, one of China’s highest distinctions for foreign experts, in recognition of his contribution to international co-operation and to the development of intellectual property relations between Europe and China. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Beijing as part of the celebrations for China’s National Day. The programme included a reception marking the 77^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, hosted by President Xi Jinping, as well as a bilateral meeting with Chen Fuli, the new commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

Commenting on the award, President Campinos said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Chinese Government Friendship Award. I accept this distinction with great gratitude and humility. At the same time, I see it not as a personal recognition, but as an acknowledgement of the European Patent Office, of the strong partnership we have built with CNIPA over the past forty years, and above all of the dedication and professionalism of the people who work at the EPO every day. Their expertise, commitment and openness to international co-operation have made this achievement possible."

Award reflects longstanding EPO-CNIPA partnership

The award ceremony was hosted by Minister Wang Xiaoping of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. A total of 39 awardees from 19 countries were honoured, including two Nobel Prize laureates.

As the EPO and CNIPA mark more than 40 years of co-operation, the award reflects the strength of a partnership that has deepened over time. Since the first co-operation agreement was signed in 1985, collaboration between the two offices has expanded across all areas of the patent system, from examination and classification to patent information, digitalisation and dialogue on international policy.

Looking ahead to deeper co-operation

The meeting with Commissioner Chen Fuli provided an opportunity to reaffirm both office’s long-term commitment to supporting inventors and contributing to an efficient and high-quality patent system as exemplified with the recent extension of the agreements concerning the Patent Cooperation Treaty International Search Authority pilot project and the Cooperative Patent Classification. Their discussions covered ongoing activities, developments in the international patent landscape and the potential to strengthen collaboration. At the meeting, President Campinos and Commissioner Chen also signed an extension to the offices’ existing data exchange agreement.

Source：European Patent Office (EPO) News；2026-10-13；https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-president-receives-chinese-government-friendship-award