China has affirmed its willingness to maintain open channels of communication with the European Union (EU) regarding intellectual property (IP) matters. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that dialogue between the two sides remains ongoing and accessible.
The statement comes in response to the EU's recent move to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China's judicial practices concerning standard essential patent disputes. On January 20, China received a consultation request from the EU, which the ministry acknowledged in its online statement.
The Ministry of Commerce emphasized China's adherence to WTO regulations and its commitments made upon accession to the organization. It highlighted the continuous improvements in China's legislation and enforcement related to IP protection, noting that these efforts have been widely recognized on the global stage.
\"China has strictly complied with WTO rules and has been steadfast in enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights,\" the ministry stated. It also assured that any subsequent matters arising from the EU's complaint will be addressed in accordance with WTO procedures, and that China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
The dialogue between China and the EU on IP issues is pivotal for global trade and innovation. As major trade partners, both parties have significant stakes in ensuring that IP disputes are resolved amicably, fostering a stable environment for businesses and investors on both sides.
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China says it's open to communication with EU on intellectual property
cgtn.com