Rich Fiscus
19 Oct 2007 0:54
On Thursday a senior Chinese intellectual property enforcement official made a statement essentially indicating that China's intellectual property (IP) enforcement problems aren't really anyone else's business, and that other countries shouldn't politicize it.
"Is IPR protection a problem? Yes, it is. But is it as serious as some say? Not necessarily. To a greater degree, it's hyped-up, politicized. We cannot accept that," said Tian Lipu, head of the Chinese government's intellectual property rights enforcement, responsible for cracking down on piracy.
He also compares China's current situation with that of countries like the Britain or the U. S. in the past, saying "How long did it take developed countries? 300 years in the case of countries like Britain, or 200 years in the United States," he said. "One generation is not enough here. If you ask me, I estimate it will take three to five generations." He added "In fact, if China does not do well, the biggest victim will be China itself." That's a statement that IP holders will certainly agree with.
In the end though, Tian says the Chinese government isn't worried about a U. S. WTO complaint against them for lax IP enforcement. He said "I think China is not scared about this. The facts will prove our point of view."
Source: Reuters