China has affirmed its openness to ongoing communication with the European Union (EU) regarding intellectual property rights, following the EU's recent complaint filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
On Monday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that channels of communication with the EU on intellectual property issues remain \"always open.\" This statement comes in response to the EU's decision to lodge a complaint at the WTO against China's judicial practices concerning standard essential patent disputes.
According to the ministry, China received the EU's consultation request on January 20, signaling the beginning of formal discussions under WTO mechanisms. The ministry emphasized that China consistently adheres to WTO rules and its commitments made upon accession. It highlighted the nation's continual efforts to enhance legislation and law enforcement in the realm of intellectual property rights protection, achievements that have gained widespread recognition.
\"China will address subsequent matters in accordance with WTO rules and firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,\" the ministry added in an online statement responding to media inquiries.
The EU's complaint pertains to measures that allegedly restrict EU companies from protecting their standard essential patents in foreign courts. Standard essential patents are patents that claim inventions that must be used to comply with a technical standard. Disputes over these patents can impact a wide range of industries, including telecommunications and technology sectors.
This development underscores the complex dynamics of international trade relations and intellectual property rights enforcement. For global businesses and investors, the outcome of these consultations could have significant implications for market access and the protection of technological innovations in the Chinese market.
China's reaffirmation of open dialogue suggests a willingness to engage with the EU to resolve the dispute through established WTO processes, aiming to maintain stable economic relations and uphold the rules-based international trade system.
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China says it's open to communication with EU on intellectual property
cgtn.com
