BEIJING: Chinese police have investigated more than 26,000 cases involving intellectual property infringement and counterfeiting so far this year, as authorities step up enforcement against fake and substandard products and strengthen product quality and safety protection, according to information released by the Ministry of Public Security.
Public security authorities across the country have focused on establishing a new policing model that combines specialized operations, coordination mechanisms and big-data capabilities, while working with other government departments to improve risk prevention and enforcement, the ministry said.
Police have intensified investigations in sectors including food and medicine, daily consumer goods and electronic products, as well as cases involving well-known trademarks, established quality brands and popular domestic brands.
Enforcement has also targeted online channels through which counterfeit and substandard products may be sold, including e-commerce platforms, social media and livestreaming sales, it said.
The ministry has placed 177 major cases under direct supervision. Among the cases solved were those involving counterfeit branded automobile wheels in Zhejiang province, counterfeit branded clothing in Chongqing, and counterfeit and substandard electric bicycle helmets in Sichuan province.
Authorities have also strengthened regular communication and services with companies, providing legal consultation, risk alerts and assistance in identifying potential quality and safety problems, according to the ministry.
Such measures are intended to move risk prevention further upstream, helping companies identify potential safety concerns before they develop into more serious problems.
At the same time, police have deepened coordination between administrative enforcement and criminal investigations through information sharing, case referrals, technical support and joint operations.
Relevant departments are also carrying out whole-chain efforts to address safety risks in areas including refined oil products, urban gas supplies, electric bicycles, building insulation materials and firefighting equipment, it said.
An official with the ministry’s intellectual property crime investigation bureau said police will continue to crack down on infringement and counterfeiting and work with relevant departments to strengthen comprehensive governance.
The efforts will provide stronger legal safeguards for advancing China’s quality development agenda and promoting high-quality growth, the official said. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
