China has expressed openness to continued communication with the European Union (EU) regarding intellectual property rights, following the EU's recent complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that channels of communication with the EU on these issues \\"are always open.\\"
On Monday, the EU filed a complaint at the WTO challenging China's judicial practices concerning standard essential patent disputes. The complaint centers around concerns that Chinese courts may be restricting EU companies from protecting their patents.
In an online statement responding to media inquiries, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed that China received the EU's consultation request on January 20. The ministry emphasized that China strictly adheres to WTO rules and its accession commitments, continuously improving legislation and enforcement related to intellectual property protection.
\\"The achievements have been widely recognized,\\" the ministry stated, highlighting China's progress in strengthening intellectual property rights (IPR) protections.
The ministry added that China would address subsequent matters in accordance with WTO rules and is committed to firmly safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.
This development marks a significant moment in China-EU trade relations, particularly in the area of intellectual property, which is crucial for business professionals, investors, and global market analysts monitoring the Asian economic landscape.
Reference(s):
China says it's open to communication with EU on intellectual property
cgtn.com
