The international workshop on "Intellectual Property Right Challenges from Emerging Technologies" was held to a positive reception at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) on 4 March, and the project "Licensing system for 3D printing in China - impact follow on" was also launched. The workshop was co-organised by The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Centre for Digital Copyright and IP Research in China based at Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China), UNNC and the University of Exeter UK Law School.

In addition to the above institutions, more than 60 participants from different disciplinary fields such as business, law, science and engineering and humanities and social sciences from the University of Nottingham and the University of Essex UK as well as other institutions in various countries attended the event. Scholars from various disciplines shared and discussed the necessity of establishing a 3D printing certification platform to protect the intellectual property rights of 3D printing-related digital assets in the context of the rapid development of global intelligent technology in the context of the rapid development of global intelligent technology, based on China's current 3D printing system and business environment.

The workshop was supported by AHRC Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement and the Li Dak Sum Innovation Fellowship.

The workshop began with opening remarks from Professor Sue Prince, Professor of Law and Head of School at the University of Exeter, and Professor Martin Lockett, Dean and Professor in Strategic Management at NUBS China.

The first keynote speaker, Professor Richard Everson – a Professor of Machine Learning and Director of the Institute for Data Science and AI, University of Exeter – shared his views on "an introduction to the debates in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)". In his presentation, he stated that AI and ML in 3D printing could help optimise the design in the manufacturing industry. He talked about the control and adaption of the printing process and computer vision for generating 3D models, and the intellectual property and copyright issues of 3D printing.

Professor Zhongfa Ma, Professor of International Law at Fudan University's Law School, then spoke on the topic "Licensing Contract Regime for 3D printing in China". In his presentation, he indicated that while 3D printing is a significant industry in China, specific provisions for licensing contracts in 3D printing in China do not yet exist. He believes that Licensing Contract Regime on 3D printing in China can not only provide a reasonable and definite guideline for licensing 3D printing in China, but also give adequate protection for IP rights-holders in the field of 3D printing.

Finally, as the project investigators, Professor James Griffin, an Associate Professor of School of Law at the University of Exeter, and Professor Hing Kai Chan, Acting Associate Dean for Education & Student Experience and Professor of Operations Management of NUBS China, introduced the AHRC Project "Licensing System for 3D printing in China - impact follow on". The project aims to set up a 3D printing authentication platform based on the patented 3D printing watermarking and block-chain technology including three major systems:

• 3D printing digital model encryption service system;
• 3D printing authentication (validation) system;
• 3D digital model trading business system.

Professor Hing Kai Chan also supposed that this platform will open up new markets and bring important inspirations for stakeholders in the 3D printing industry to take advantage of business opportunities and for policymakers to regulate the 3D printing industry.

The AHRC Centre for Digital Copyright and IP Research in China was established in March 2015. Combining British and Chinese expertise, the AHRC Centre investigates global copyright challenges and opportunities for creative and technical industries in the fast-developing Chinese context. The Centre's research will have relevance to government, business and education sectors in China and its findings aim to inform policy and support the development of consistent copyright and intellectual property regulation and to aid business innovation and commercial design across China.