On January 26, 2026, AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) and East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) Intellectual Property School signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Hong Kong, marking a new stage in their strategic collaboration. Building upon an existing foundation of cooperation, the MoU aims to further deepen joint efforts in intellectual property dispute resolution and the development of global legal talent.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Nick Chan, BBS, MH, JP, Director of AALCO-HKRAC, and Prof. Cong Lixian, Dean of the ECUPL Intellectual Property School. Mr. Dennis Cai, Deputy Director of AALCO-HKRAC, and Prof. Yu Bo, Associate Dean of the School, attended the signing ceremony as witnesses. Prof. Zhang Benyong and Dong Qiyao, Specially Appointed Associate Research Fellow, among other faculty members, were also present.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges in the field of intellectual property, especially in the use of generative AI (AIGC) models. Questions such as how to define originality in AI-generated content, the legal boundaries of training data, and platform liability for AI-related infringement are becoming increasingly prominent. Content generated by AIGC may involve multiple areas of IP law, including copyright, trademark, and patent rights. IP arbitration, as a professional and efficient dispute resolution mechanism, is emerging as a timely and viable solution. To address these developments and promote international collaboration, AALCO-HKRAC continues to expand its partnerships with leading universities and institutions.
As an international organization hosted by China, AALCO-HKRAC has long been dedicated to promoting dispute resolution services across the Asia-Pacific region. Through cooperation with academic institutions and professional bodies, the Centre has systematically contributed to the cultivation of legal talent equipped for cross-border legal practice.
ECUPL Intellectual Property School has established a strong collaborative ecosystem integrating government, industry, academia, research, and application. It maintains deep partnerships with judicial authorities, key enterprises, and prestigious law firms. As one of Shanghai’s first IP training bases, the school plays an influential role in bridging theory and practice in the IP domain. This new partnership with AALCO-HKRAC marks a significant step in expanding collaborative networks and strengthening the integration of academic and practical expertise.
According to the MoU, both parties will work together to develop training programs on international commercial arbitration and cross-border IP dispute resolution, organize faculty and student exchanges, and co-host academic seminars and expert dialogues. These initiatives aim to integrate theoretical education with arbitration practice and foster a new generation of legal professionals with an international outlook and professional competence in IP law.
AALCO-HKRAC will continue to broaden its collaborative efforts with partners, enhance the quality of IP arbitration services, and contribute to building a more comprehensive international IP dispute resolution ecosystem.
