French textile industries union ( UIT) confirmed Wednesday the signing of two draft agreements with its Chinese counterpart and the Chinese chamber of commerce to foster intellectual property in the two countries and to curb counterfeiting.

Thierry Noblot, UIT chief representative signed these agreements with China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCIET), according to a statement issued here by UIT.

The two parties have agreed to apply pressure on the relevant authorities in order to obtain a reduction of duration and cost of patenting brands, designs, and models, said the statement.

UIT, CNTAC and CCCIET also agreed to assist one another in their respective countries to ensure the protection of intellectual property rights as well as to liaise with their respective legal representatives, it said.

"Any infringement of intellectual property rights by Chinese and French adherent companies, will be brought to the attention of the signatories, notably during international Fairs or Exhibitions " and the "settlement of the disputes shall be done in an amicable manner or by arbitration," according to the agreements.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2007)