A renowned Chinese scholar says China needs to establish a ministry and strengthen training on intellectual property rights (IPR) to boost IPR protection in China.

"An IPR ministry should be established to improve the efficiency and lower the cost of IPR law enforcement," said Zhang Hanlin, an expert on World Trade Organization (WTO) affairs, at a forum on IPR protection of foreign-funded enterprises here Tuesday.

Speakers at the forum, sponsored by the Research Institute of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under China's Ministry of Commerce, included vice commerce minister Liao Xiaoqi.

"There's no doubt about the need to intensify IPR protection. But under the loose IPR administration pattern at present, it's very difficult to perform the task well," said Zhang, a professor of China's prestigious University of International Business and Economics.

Zhang also said there was no lack of IPR executives in China at present, but their capability is doubtful. Training and publicity on IPR protection should be further strengthened.

He said China has done pretty well in IPR affairs and should receive a score of at least 80 points for its comprehensive performance in the period since China's WTO entry.

"Previous laws and regulations have been updated to conform with WTO rules. The trademark law, for example, has included three- dimensional signs and color combinations under its protection," said Zhang.

Implementation of these rules has also made much progress, said Zhang.

Speaking at the forum, Liao Xiaoqi said IPR protection is important for both foreign-funded enterprises in China and domestic enterprises.

"IPR infringements, like producing fake goods and piracy, undermine normal market economic order, credit, and the innovative capacity of a country. They also spoil the investment environment and cause losses of intangible corporate assets," said Liao.

Liao said Chinese companies are still far behind multinational companies in the creation, protection and utilization of intangible assets and urged them to do more to catch up.

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