ARLINGTON, Va. - On a recent visit to China, Deborah Hawkins, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) chairman, worked to advance cooperation between ARI and the Chinese air conditioning and refrigeration industry, as well as with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, to address intellectual property right (IPR) violations in both the United States and China.

"ARI member companies are eager to work with U.S. and Chinese government officials to ensure protection of intellectual property rights in both our countries," said Hawkins in her remarks prior to the China Refrigeration Exhibition in Shanghai. "We deeply appreciate the steps that have been taken thus far by the Chinese government, and we stand ready to work with all parties involved on solutions to these issues."

Following the briefing, Hawkins and other industry representatives walked the show floor with Jonathan Heimer, U.S. consulate's deputy principal U.S. foreign commercial service officer, to highlight ARI member products and identify potential IPR violations. ARI staff also met with exhibition organizers to determine how to best address IPR violations in China.

Also as part of her mission to China, Hawkins met with the staff of ARI's counterpart organization, the Chinese Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (CRAA), to identify ways the two associations could work in closer collaboration to address IPR issues. One measure discussed was screening for IPR violations before foreign exhibits reach the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Exposition.

For more information on ARI's IPR protection policy recommendations and other proposals to bolster innovation in the United States, visit www.ari.org.

Publication date: 05/08/2006