Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Andar cheese, a traditional handmade cheese from Heilongjiang Province, China, which has recently been recognized as the first domestic cheese product to receive national geographical indication protection, marking a significant milestone for local economic development and heritage preservation [3]. Group 1: Historical Background - Andar cheese has a rich history rooted in the early 20th century when Russian immigrants introduced traditional cheese-making techniques to the region [1]. - The establishment of the Andar Dairy Factory in 1952 during China's First Five-Year Plan marked the beginning of industrial cheese production, while still relying on traditional craftsmanship [1][2]. Group 2: Production Techniques - Andar cheese maintains a commitment to traditional handmade techniques, including a fermentation period of 3-6 months with daily manual turning, which distinguishes it from industrially produced cheeses [2]. - The local Holstein cows produce milk with a fat content 1.5 percentage points higher than average, contributing to the cheese's quality [2]. Group 3: Recognition and Economic Impact - In February 2025, Andar cheese was officially recognized as a national geographical indication product, supported by a comprehensive 267-page documentation [3]. - The recognition is expected to boost annual production to 3,000 tons and generate an annual output value of 400 million yuan, creating over 280 jobs [3]. - Local authorities plan to promote Andar cheese in southern markets, aiming to enhance its visibility and reputation as a high-quality cheese comparable to European varieties [3].

Government Initiatives - The National Intellectual Property Administration is focusing on promoting collaborative innovation in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia to leverage the region's rich scientific and educational resources [2][4] - Heilongjiang has established an integrated service platform for intellectual property, enhancing service delivery across the province [4] - Jilin is developing pilot zones for intellectual property protection to support technological innovation and new productivity [4] - Liaoning is improving its intellectual property policy framework and strengthening protection systems to support private enterprise development [4] - Inner Mongolia has created a comprehensive system for patent navigation and high-value patent cultivation [4] Corporate Innovations - Companies across various sectors in Northeast China are actively creating, utilizing, and protecting intellectual property, with notable achievements in industries such as food, healthcare, steel, and robotics [5] - Benxi Steel has institutionalized its intellectual property management, holding 832 effective patents, including 73 high-value patents, and aims to be recognized as a national model enterprise by 2024 [5] - Shenyang Deshi Cold Drink Co., Ltd. has registered over 900 trademarks and 600 design patents, making it a leader in intellectual property within the cold drink industry [5] - Heilongjiang Flying Crane Dairy has integrated patent technology with industry standards, establishing the largest domestic breast milk database with 659 authorized patents [6] - Harbin Sizerui Intelligent Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. has applied for over 500 patents, with nearly 300 authorized, and its surgical robot has been used in over 6,000 surgeries [6] Academic Contributions - Harbin Engineering University is developing a systematic approach to patent revitalization and technology transfer, focusing on high-value patent cultivation [11] - The Chinese Academy of Sciences' Shenyang Institute of Automation has achieved significant technology transfer, generating approximately 80 million RMB through patent licensing [14] - The Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences has established a modern agricultural intellectual property operation center, completing 8 patent transfers worth 12 million RMB [14]