Scholar suggests institutional reform, training for China' s IPR protection ( 2003-11-26 22:26) (Xinhua)
A renowned Chinese scholar
says China needs to establish a ministry and strengthen training on intellectual
property rights (IPR) to boost IPR protection in China.
"An IPR ministry should be established to improve the efficiency and lower
the cost of IPR law enforcement," said Zhang Hanlin, an expert on World Trade
Organization (WTO) affairs, at a forum on IPR protection of foreign-funded
enterprises here Tuesday.
Speakers at the forum, sponsored by the Research Institute of International
Trade and Economic Cooperation under China's Ministry of Commerce, included vice
commerce minister Liao Xiaoqi.
"There's no doubt about the need to intensify IPR protection. But under the
loose IPR administration pattern at present, it's very difficult to perform the
task well," said Zhang, a professor of China's prestigious University of
International Business and Economics.
Zhang also said there was no lack of IPR executives in China at present, but
their capability is doubtful. Training and publicity on IPR protection should be
further strengthened.
He said China has done pretty well in IPR affairs and should receive a score
of at least 80 points for its comprehensive performance in the period since
China's WTO entry.
"Previous laws and regulations have been updated to conform with WTO rules.
The trademark law, for example, has included three- dimensional signs and color
combinations under its protection," said Zhang.
Implementation of these rules has also made much progress, said Zhang.
Speaking at the forum, Liao Xiaoqi said IPR protection is important for both
foreign-funded enterprises in China and domestic enterprises.
"IPR infringements, like producing fake goods and piracy, undermine normal
market economic order, credit, and the innovative capacity of a country. They
also spoil the investment environment and cause losses of intangible corporate
assets," said Liao.
Liao said Chinese companies are still far behind multinational companies in
the creation, protection and utilization of intangible assets and urged them to
do more to catch up.