Helping China's largest city and leading industrial center fight its serious counterfeiting and piracy problem is an important goal of an intellectual property rights (IRP) workshop to be held in Shanghai, October 29-30, 2004.

Workshops for U.S. audiences will provide expert advice on protecting IPR assets in China. Classes will discuss the most effective ways to maneuver China's complex patent application process, trademark laws, judicial system and enforcement procedures. Participants will learn how to demystify the process and avoid the most common legal pitfalls.

Panel discussions for Chinese and U.S. audiences will address important IPR issues affecting the entertainment, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and information technology sectors.

These discussions will be chaired by representatives of the Entertainment Software Association, Motion Picture Association of America, Quality Brands Protection Committee, Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association, R&D-based Pharmaceutical Association and U.S. Information Technology Office.

The workshop is organized by the American International Education Foundation (AIEF), Shanghai Municipal People's Government and Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration.

It is supported by the U.S. Embassy in China, U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, American Chamber of Commerce in China, International Intellectual Property Institute, and U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Participating in the workshop not only underscores your involvement and leadership in this area, but also spearheads much-needed IPR reform in China's largest city.

Individuals may participate as patrons, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for companies. Please contact Stephen Smith, Director of AIEF's Washington D.C. office for more information at 240-453-9488 or stlsmith@aief-usa.org.

A detailed agenda can be seen at www.aief-usa.org/ipr.