2010-11-11 13:18

BEIJING -- China Wednesday vowed to make a greater effort to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) and sought enhanced cooperation with the United States to this end.

The pledge came out of a dialogue on IPR protection and enforcement between China and the United States in Beijing.

Tian Lipu, director of China's State Intellectual Property Office, said China has actively participated in international exchange and cooperation for years and contributed to the global cause of IPR protection.

Developed countries took hundreds of years to establish the modern IPR system, Tian said, adding that China's system is only 30 years old.

The Chinese government is making unremitting efforts to deal with its problems in IPR protection and enforcement, Tian said.

The General Office of China's State Council, China's cabinet, in October directed government bodies at all levels across the country to use genuine software and lead the battle in protecting IPR.

China launched a six-month nationwide crackdown on IPR violations and on the production and distribution of fake and shoddy products at the end of October.

Tian said the global cause of IPR protection needs to be promoted through the long-term cooperation of various nations.

Echoing Tian, Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming suggested boosting exchange and cooperation with the United States in IPR protection.

Chen said the two nations should find common ground in IPR protection in spite of the differences in their IPR systems.

The relevant China and US government departments are expected to expand their information sharing and cooperation, Chen added.

The dialogue focused on IPR best practice and enforcement. It attracted more than 150 officials and private sector representatives from China, the United States and other countries.