Minutes - TRIPS Council - View details of the intervention/statement

Ambassador Karen Tan (Singapore)
C TRANSITIONAL REVIEW UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE PROTOCOL ON THE ACCESSION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
57. The representative of Canada said that her delegation appreciated China's continued engagement in a dialogue on IP issues at the WTO and at other international fora, such as the Heiligendamm process. This provided opportunities to share best practices and other experiences between the respective intellectual property agencies and experts, such as on the ongoing challenges that Canadian companies were facing in China. Canada acknowledged the progress and achievements in reforming China's IP regime but noted that there were still areas of concern. Her delegation remained concerned about the range of patent, trademark and copyright infringement cases occurring. The rights of Canadian and Chinese innovators alike were damaged by individuals or organizations who were able to exploit loopholes in the existing Chinese regulations and legal processes. Canadians hoped the ever deepening investments in innovation technology development would be backed up and supported by a growing legal and enforcement infrastructure under Chinese IP laws. Her delegation encouraged the Chinese Central Government to work closely with local governments and to continue strengthening IP protection across China. Finally, Canada commended China's commitment to IPR training, especially in the area of traditional protection in local courts, and looked forward to further progress on this front.
IP/C/M/61