China has improved protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) since it joined the World Trade Organization three years ago, European Union officials said yesterday (Nov. 15) in Beijing.

"China's legal framework (of IPR) is basically in place," Franz Jessen, deputy head of the EU Delegation in Beijing, told a news briefing. "The Chinese Government has put a lot of efforts in legislation."

He also said the Chinese Government has a high level of understanding of IPR protection and is revving up efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting.

Sergio Balibrea, head of the trade section of the delegation, said the EU has noted China launched a year-long, national campaign in September to protect IPR.

He also noted China will release a legal interpretation on criminal prosecution standards of IPR violations by the end of the year.

Beijing-based experts believe China has stood by its WTO commit-ments in terms of IPR protection.

"China has exerted great efforts in the fight against IPR violation," said Teng Fei, a senior researcher with the Development Research Centre of the State Council.

"Given the size and the develop-ment level of the country, IPR protection work is complicated and arduous," he added.

At the same briefing, Jessen called for further efforts from the Chinese Government and industries to implement IPR laws and regulations to curb Chinese fake goods from flowing into the EU market.

He also called on local govern-ments to give high priority to protect IPR holders.

According to EU statistics, almost 85 million counterfeit or pirated articles were seized by EU customs at its external border in 2002. The figure was 50 million in the first half of 2003.

Editor: Olivia