China Remains Open to EU Communication on Intellectual Property Amid WTO Complaint
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that channels of communication with the European Union (EU) on intellectual property issues \"are always open,\" signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue amid recent tensions over patent disputes.
The statement comes in response to the EU's filing of a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China regarding its judicial practices on standard essential patent (SEP) disputes. The complaint, lodged on January 20, alleges that China's courts have been preventing European companies from protecting their patents.
China confirmed receipt of the EU's consultation request and emphasized its commitment to WTO rules and accession commitments. \"China has adhered strictly to WTO rules and continually improved legislation and law enforcement related to the protection of intellectual property rights,\" the Ministry of Commerce stated in an online response to media inquiries. \"Its achievements have been widely recognized.\"
The ministry added that China would address subsequent matters in accordance with WTO procedures and is firmly committed to safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.
The dispute centers around SEPs, which are patents essential to industry standards, such as telecommunications protocols. The EU contends that Chinese courts are issuing \"anti-suit injunctions\" that prevent European patent holders from asserting their rights, potentially undermining international intellectual property protections.
China's openness to dialogue may help deescalate tensions and pave the way for a negotiated settlement. Both China and the EU have significant economic interests at stake, with robust trade relations and mutual investments in technology and innovation sectors.
The Ministry of Commerce's reaffirmation of open communication channels suggests that China is seeking to maintain constructive engagement with the EU. As global economic powers, cooperation between China and the EU on intellectual property rights is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition.
The WTO dispute resolution process begins with a consultation phase, allowing parties to discuss and potentially resolve the issue before proceeding to formal adjudication. The outcome of these consultations could have far-reaching implications for international intellectual property law and global trade dynamics.
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China says it's open to communication with EU on intellectual property
cgtn.com
