February 26, 2004
High-Level Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights in China
China is an increasingly important player on the world stage, and its entry into the World Trade Organization has fueled the country’s surging growth. In view of the Chinese government’s economic strategy – centered on an upgraded technological base, increased openness to foreign investment and further integration into the global economy – intellectual property rights reform has become a major issue for business.
This April, the 30-nation Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will organize two back-to-back workshops in Beijing to increase awareness of IPR protection:
· “High-Level Workshop on IPRs and Economic Development in China: Meeting Challenges and Opportunities Following WTO Entry” (April 20-21)
· “High-Level Seminar on IPR Issues Related to Public Research Institutions” (April 22-23).
Via the OECD’s Business and Industry Advisory Committee
(BIAC), a large business delegation is expected to participate in the two conferences. BIAC has recommended that the OECD undertake an enhanced and comprehensive work program related to intellectual property over the next few years. BIAC also recently issued a well-received discussion paper on "Creativity, Innovation and Economic Growth in the 21st Century.”
At the sessions, BIAC expects to reiterate recommendations for further work by OECD on intellectual property rights. One example is the proposal for adopting an anti-counterfeiting convention, as serious violations of foreign and domestic IPRs continue, particularly in the areas of computer products, audio-visual and trade names.
IPRs in China will form the main focus of a March 3 meeting of USCIB’s China Subcommittee, chaired by Clarence Kwan (Deloitte & Touche). On a related note, Mr. Kwan spoke at an OECD conference on corporate governance in Beijing on February 25.
Staff contact: Kris Knutsen
More on USCIB’s China Subcommittee
More on USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee
