International Symposium on “Protecting Intellectual Property in China----Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century”, which is one of the EU-China Intellectual Property Rights Cooperation Program, was held in Beijing in 25-26 July, 2000.

The symposium covers the questions addressed by the cooperation program. Jointly organized by the European Patent Office and the State Intellectual Property Office, the two-day international symposium considers Chinese and European views on the most pertinent aspects of IPR protection in China. It unites high-ranking representatives from Chinese Government agencies and European institutions, business associations and leading industrial corporations in a single conference, covering in panel sessions the most up to date developments ranging from global trade to IPR enforcement.

Many senior decision-makers, both in Chinese companies and European enterprises, active or in the process of establishing business activities in China, as well as IPR experts, company lawyers and trade and sales directors attended the meeting.