An annual forum on intellectual property rights held last week attracted a number of entrepreneurs, experts and scholars from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.

They shared insight into the latest developments ranging from applications in the environmental industry to growth of an innovation-driven economy.

Though the global economy is beginning to recover, the prospects are still uncertain, said Bao Hong, vice-commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office(SIPO).

Acquiring intellectual property in key technologies is crucial to stimulating growth, Bao noted.

Sou Tim Peng, director of economic services for the Macao Special Administrative Region, said at the meeting that intellectual property protection will be central to future competition.

Macao has experienced a slight year-on-year increase in intellectual property applications from January to September, especially in the service industry, according to the director.

Co-sponsored by SIPO, Macao's economic services administration and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's intellectual property department, it was the 11th session of the annual event.

(China Daily)