Global issue

Intellectual property protection is a global issue and challenge. As a developing country, China has promoted various international exchanges and cooperation in intellectual property for years.

SIPO keeps close contact with the World Intellectual Property Organization and participates in relevant discussions on a variety of key issues including the development agenda, coordination of international patent systems and intellectual property protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore.

SIPO takes an active part in IP5 cooperation with the US Patent and Trademark Office, Japan Patent Office, European Patent Office (EPO) and Korean Intellectual Property Office.

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It has maintained steady development of the strategic partnership with the EPO, and maintains close collaboration with its partners in scores of countries. Such beneficial and effective cooperation has been widely recognized by the international community.

John Morton, director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said at a meeting held in Beijing that the intellectual property enforcement was no longer just the problem of the United States or China, but it was a global problem. I agree with him very much on this point.

An investigation conducted by Chinese customs in 2008 shows that 42 percent of China's exports that were in processing trade accused of IPR infringements were ordered from abroad, mostly the developed countries.

To create a sound international environment for intellectual property protection requires various countries take an active and constructive attitude for cooperation rather than denunciations and complaints.