BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday expressed regret over the European Union's (EU's) decision to request the establishment of a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel in response to Chinese judicial rulings on standard essential patents (SEPs).
China will handle the request properly in accordance with WTO dispute settlement procedures, and will resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests, an official from the ministry's department of treaty and law said in response to a media query.
On Feb 12, Geneva time, the EU announced it would request the establishment of a WTO panel concerning its dispute with China over judicial rulings related to SEP licensing litigation.
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The official emphasized that China has always attached great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR).
In strict compliance with WTO rules and its accession commitments, China has continuously improved its IPR legislation and enforcement, achieving results that are evident to all, the official noted.
Price commitment deals
More Chinese companies are expected to reach price commitment deals with the European Union, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a press conference regarding the European Commission's approval of a tariff exemption for a Chinese-made Volkswagen SUV, which will now be imported under a minimum price and quota model.
Previously, China and the EU, after multiple rounds of consultations, achieved a "soft landing" in the electric vehicle case within the framework of World Trade Organization rules, He said, adding that the outcome has been widely welcomed by the international community and industries on both sides.
READ MORE: China to evaluate WTO ruling on standard essential patent disputes with EU
Under the consensus reached through consultations, China and the EU support Chinese electric vehicle companies in making effective use of price commitments. To that end, the European side has issued a guidance document formulated during the bilateral talks and pledged to carry out assessments in a non-discriminatory, objective and fair manner, he said.
Noting that the Chinese and European automotive industries are deeply integrated and mutually beneficial, He expressed hope that the European side would earnestly implement the important consensus reached at the China-EU leaders' meeting and the outcomes of the case consultations.
China is ready to maintain dialogue and communication with the EU side to foster an open and stable market environment for the growth of the automotive industries in both China and the EU, He said.
