The US Trade Representative has accused China and Russia of being among the poorest protectors of intellectual property rights.

Both countries are featured in the 2008 Special 301 Report, an annual document examining international trade barriers relating to copyright infringement. Russia and China appear on a priority watch list of offending nations, along with Argentina, Chile, India, Israel, Pakistan, Thailand and Venezuela.

“The Special 301 Report spotlights one of the central challenges facing the global economy,” said Ambassador Susan C. Schwab.

“Pirates and counterfeiters don’t just steal ideas; they steal jobs, and too often they threaten our health and safety. The Administration has been committed to stepping up the fight against IPR infringers who seek to profit from American artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs.”

The US will negotiate with China using the World Trade Organisation's dispute settlement body – a session of the General Council that governs over disagreements.