Editor's note: Intellectual property, or IP is a key factor for innovation and development in the modern world. As China celebrates the 50th anniversary of its cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization or WIPO in 2023, it also showcased its achievements and efforts in fostering a culture of IP that respects knowledge, advocates innovation, abides by the law and competes fairly. In this series, we feature the stories of foreign students who are studying IP in Shanghai, one of China's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. They share their experiences of living and learning in Shanghai and their insights into the importance and challenges of IP in the global context.

[Video/WeChat account: Shanghai_IPA]

Kamran Ahmadli, or Ge Ran as he is known in Chinese, is a master's degree student from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

He's pursuing his intellectual property or IP dream at the Shanghai International College of Intellectual Property – called SICIP for short.

Ahmadli, who is studying under the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO program, has a bachelor's degree in law from Baku State University, where he excelled academically and received a Chinese government scholarship in 2022.

He also has rich experience and legal skills from working at companies such as Dentons (Central Asia). He speaks fluent English and Turkish and is currently learning Chinese with enthusiasm.

Ahmadli said he was fascinated by IP law and wanted to learn from China's remarkable achievements in the economic and IP fields. He chose Shanghai as his destination because it is a leading city in IP activities – with innovative systems, effective protection and quality services.

At SICIP, Ahmadli has not only immersed himself in the theoretical study of IP, but also participated in practical courses such as moot courts and international competitions.

He has also visited institutions – including the Shanghai Intellectual Property Protection Center, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Service Center and the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Shanghai Service – and was impressed by their distinctive work.

Ahmadli has also communicated with some Chinese smart manufacturing and cultural and creative companies and has witnessed the important role of IP in promoting innovation and driving growth.

He said he felt the experience and vitality of Chinese enterprises and young people.

What's more, he said studying IP in Shanghai was an unforgettable experience and a valuable opportunity. He hopes to achieve something and contribute to global IP governance and cooperation in the future.