Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to co-ordinate action on intellectual property issues with equivalent industry and enforcement bodies overseas.

The Government works closely with the European Union Observatory on the Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights to share best practice with stakeholders – including industry bodies and European and international enforcement bodies – on the approach to tackling intellectual property (IP) enforcement.

The Government also plays an active role in Europol and Interpol intellectual property enforcement action and undertakes direct bilateral action where operationally necessary.

Through our network of overseas IP attachés the Government continues to build strong relations with government departments, industry bodies and enforcement agencies. For example, in September the Chinese Government will host the second UK-China IP Symposium which I shall be attending. The Symposium, which will have a clear enforcement component, is an opportunity for UK and Chinese companies to interact with senior policymakers from both countries on a range of intellectual property topics. The UK Government will be coordinating a range of activities in China that week, engaging with the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Public Security.