Request for consultations with China by the European Union regarding certain Measures on the Transfer of Technology

Summary:

The European Union launched on 1 June 2018 legal proceedings in the World Trade Organisatin (WTO) against Chinese legislation that was seen to undermine the intellectual property rights of European companies. The EU alleges that certain Chinese measures are inconsistent with China's obligations under the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs). The request was circulated to WTO members on 6 June.

Further information:

The EU in particular alleges that a number of China's legal and regulatory instruments unfairly restrict foreign intellectual property rights holders from freely negotiating market-based terms in technology-related contracts and impose mandatory contracts concerning the import of technology into China.

If consultations did not reach a satisfactory solution within 60 days, the EU would be able to request that WTO set up a panel to rule on the matter.

European Commission: Press Release, 01.06.18: EU launches WTO case against China's unfair technology transfers http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4027_en.htm

Bloomberg, 01.06.18: EU Takes China to the WTO Over Technology-Transfer Practices https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-01/europe-takes-china-to-the-wto-over-technology-transfer-practices

Reuters, 04.06.18: China says it regrets EU's WTO action over patent rights https://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKKCN1J0027

EurActiv, 04.04.18: EU considering taking China to WTO over IP practices https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-china/news/eu-considering-taking-china-to-wto-over-ip-practices/

Deutsche Welle, 01.06.18: The EU's other trade dispute: China https://p.dw.com/p/2yomc

EUObserver, 06.06.18: Beyond US dispute, EU still aiming at China https://euobserver.com/economic/141999

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