Multi-Sector U.S. and Chinese Group to Address Intellectual Property Rights in Shanghai.

SHANGHAI, China -- Helping U.S. companies protect intellectual property rights (IPR) assets in China's largest city and most important industrial center is a key goal of a workshop to be held in Shanghai, Oct. 28-30.

Distinguished government officials, educators, industry leaders and legal professions from the United States and China will attend the Shanghai IPR Workshop, according to Dr. Patrick Fong, Executive Director of American International Education Foundation (AIEF), who is organizing the event with Shanghai Municipal People's Government and Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration.

"The workshop features a multi-level collaborative approach," explained Fong. "We will help Shanghai officials address IPR challenges, while assisting U.S. companies in maneuvering China's complex legal and regulatory processes."

The Shanghai IPR Workshop is supported by the U.S. Embassy in China, U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, American Chamber of Commerce in China, Entertainment Software Association, Motion Picture Association of America, Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association, and U.S. Information Technology Office.

Classes conducted in English for overseas companies will discuss how to avoid common legal pitfalls and maneuver China's patent application process, trademark laws, judicial system and enforcement procedures. Panel discussions chaired by industry groups will address key IPR issues affecting entertainment, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and information technology sectors, according to Fong.

Individuals may participate as patrons, and various sponsorship opportunities are available for companies. A detailed agenda and registration information is at www.aief-usa.org/ipr.

Seven-Year Initiative

The workshop launches an ambitious seven-year initiative by AIEF, under the guidance of the International Council on Intellectual Property Rights. Over the next seven years, advanced IPR training will be provided to Shanghai policy makers, administrators, educators, judges, custom officers, business owners and enforcement agents.

Workshop participants will lay the groundwork for Shanghai's immediate and long-term IPR training priorities, and provide feedback for a citywide forum in April 2005, according to Fong.

"An important goal is to increase local awareness in Shanghai," said Fong. "Many Chinese don't realize that piracy and counterfeiting aren't just harming the global economy. They also negatively affect China's own economic growth by reducing international investments, curbing overall development, and limiting research and development activities. Elevating intellectual property rights in China is a win-win situation for everyone involved."