China pressed on copycat culture

Some 70 per cent of counterfeit goods seized at EU borders originate from China

A trade delegation to China has urged the country to reform its “counterfeit” culture to encourage more UK firms to export there.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe, minister for intellectual property, is heading a delegation to boost links between the UK and China as the Government attempts to double exports by 2020.

Exporters fear the risk of ideas theft and the proliferation of counterfeit and black market goods in China. Some 70 per cent of counterfeit goods seized at EU borders originate from China, while UK businesses are concerned about the lack of intellectual property protection.

Lady Neville-Rolfe said: “I am determined we do all we can to make life as easy as possible for our businesses by improving our bilateral relationships with China on intellectual property matters, essentially the ownership of ideas and the reduction of counterfeits and design theft.”

The visit begins with an intellectual property symposium in Beijing, where more than 100 British and Chinese businesses will network and build relationships with government officials. Lady Neville-Rolfe said: “This symposium is going to be an unrivalled chance for Chinese and British businesses to share their experiences.”