Washington Files WTO Piracy Cases Against China

The Bush administration took action at the World Trade Organisation against Beijing for piracy.

The Bush administration, under pressure from Congress over trade with China, on Tuesday took action at the World Trade Organisation against Beijing for piracy and blocking access for U.S. films, books and software.

Charging that China was breaking its WTO entry agreement, Washington sought consultations with Beijing over the twin complaints, which could lead to a formal case being brought if no deal can be struck within 60 days.

"They have come in," a trade official said referring to the requests. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab announced on Monday that Washington intended to go to the WTO, saying "inadequate protection" of U.S. intellectual property rights in China was costing U.S. firms billions of dollars a year.