China Looking to Expand Customs Cooperation on IPR Enforcement, State Media Report Says

China’s General Administration of Customs plans to “advance” joint law enforcement with its U.S. counterparts on intellectual property rights, according to a state-run news agency Xinhua report May 15. The effort comes amid expanded international cooperation on IPR protection, with more than 190 cooperation documents already signed and memorandums of understanding on IPR law enforcement signed with the U.S., the European Union, Russia, Japan and South Korea, the report said. A joint law enforcement mechanism has already been set up with Russian customs authorities, Xinhua said. “In addition, China will facilitate information and data sharing with other countries to more effectively crack down on IPR infringement and boost customs officers exchanges for capacity building,” the report said, citing an interview with GAC Department of General Operation chief Jin Hai.