欧盟中国通讯 EU-China News
EU-China IPR co-operation in 2011: Sharing results and ensuring sustainability
The European Union Delegation in Beijing and the Ministry of Commerce of P.R. China have endorsed a new set of activities for the final phase of implementation of the EU-China Project on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights – IPR2 – from April to September 2011.
Some 35 different areas of intervention have been agreed with the numerous ministries and authorities responsible for IP protection and enforcement in China, targeting the main elements of the Chinese IP system. The Project will continue to support exchanges between officials, experts and industry on key issues of mutual concern, such as revision of China’s IP Laws, in particular the Trademark Law; strengthening the capacity of local Chinese IP offices and enforcement assistance centres in handling IP cases with systematic training of ‘trainers’; follow-up support for the continued implementation of the EU-China IPR Customs Action Plan; co-operation on Geographical Indication (GI) protection; international co-operation on civil and criminal procedures, particularly against on-line piracy and counterfeiting; judicial protection of IP rights and more.
At the same time, the work plan dedicates resources to assessing impact and ensuring sustainability of the Project’s outputs, with inputs from the Chinese IP authorities, academia and IP and industry professionals. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of project results, such as developments in the core legislation for patents, copyrights, competition and trademarks; improvements in administrative, civil and criminal enforcement; and building up an understanding of IPR as a strategic tool for business development for right holders.
Carlo Pandolfi, head of the EU-China IPR2 technical assistance team confirmed, “The closing phase of IPR2 will work to leverage the many outputs achieved from the close co-operation between the Chinese IP authorities and the Project. Specifically, consolidating materials and expertise built up over the life of the Project, with the objective of making them readily available to all stakeholders.”
The EU-China Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights was held in Beijing earlier this month, in preparation of the next EU-China IPR Dialogue in April. The Dialogue is a structured political exchange between the European Union and China on IP and is reinforced by regular Working Group meetings, which enables industry and other right holders to participate in bilateral IP discussions and sets the common strategic priorities for the IPR2 Project. The new IPR2 work plan will address these priorities for practical and measurable results through day to day co-operation.
A number of closing events will be held in China and Europe to present the results of this co-operation to stakeholders.
For further information:
Highlights of the IPR2 4th Annual Work Plan: http://www.ipr2.org/storage/IPR2_AW4_highlights-EN979.pdf
IPR2 Project web site: www.ipr2.org