China expresses 'regret' over US list on IPR
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-06-28 13:55

A Chinese government official on Tuesday expressed "deep regret" over the US government's action of putting China on a "Priority Watch List" in intellectual property right protection, saying it does not conform with facts.

Zhang Zhigang, office director of the State Work Group on Intellectual Property Rights Protection and also vice minister of commerce, is interviewed at a State Council Information Office press conference in this September 6, 2004 photo. [newsphoto]

Zhang Zhigang, office director of the State Work Group on Intellectual Property Rights Protection and also vice minister of commerce, made these remarks at a press conference held in Beijing by the State Council Information Office.

He said China has made significant progresses in the protection of intellectual property rights.

Zhang said the problem of infringement on intellectual property rights is not unique to China as Europe and the United States also witness rampant IPR violations.

Citing a survey released by the US Business Software Alliance on May 18, Zhang said that losses incurred by piracy (or the value of illegal software) in Europe and the United States are the highest, with the per capita loss reported there far surpassing that in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Therefore, the priorities in the global crackdown on piracy should first be the EU, then the United States and then the Asia-Pacific region. China does not deserve to be among the top priorities yet," said Zhang.

China has handled 24,189 trademark infringement cases and seized more than 167 million pieces of illegal audio-video products and pirated products since the country launched a massive crackdown on IPR violations last September.

In addition, China has destroyed 24 illegal CD production lines and closed down 2,960 illegal printing workshops, said Zhang, evidencing China's determination and committment to IPR protection.

"A magnificent momentum and a sound situation have shown up" in China's IPR protection, said Zhang.

And from January to May, Chinese procuratorial organs approved the arrest of 340 people suspected of IPR violations, with 258 of them prosecuted, up 58.9 percent and 20.6 percent year-on-year respectively, a senior Chinese public prosecutor said said at the press conference.

Moreover, the procuratorial organs approved the arrest of 882 suspects involved in the production and marketing of fake and shoddy products from Jan. to May, up 51.5 percent year-on-year, said Zhu Xiaoqing, vice procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Zhu added that 844 of the suspects were prosecuted, up 45 percent over the same period last year.

Shen Deyong, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, said at the press conference that Chinese courts handled 1,280 cases involving IPR violation, production and selling of shoddy products, and illegal business operations from January to May this year.

The figure jumped 23.9 percent over the same period of last year, adding that 1,061 of the cases had been concluded, up 28.29 percent year-on-year.

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