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."