Geneva - The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened a formal investigation into whether China is doing enough to protect intellectual property, which could eventually authorize U.S. trade sanctions against China worth billions, the Associated Press reported.

The Chinese government will "actively respond to the U.S. request and protect China's interests under WTO rules," Wang Xinpei, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, told China's Xinhua news agency.

The U.S. lodged its formal complaint against China with the WTO in April; talks between the two nations have failed to resolve the dispute.

The current investigation could well take years before it is completed.

Related Links:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119077572858539662.html

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972782.html

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-09/27/content_6140308.htm

http://www.wto.org