The United States has filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization against China for allegedly violating patent laws, Reuters reported. The development follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of import curbs against China in retaliation for what the White House describes as misappropriation of US intellectual property by Beijing.

China has refuted the allegations and said it will respond to the import restrictions.The United States has restricted the import of up to 1,300 items worth around $60 billion (approximately Rs 3.89 lakh crore)

The restrictions on Chinese imports were part of Trump’s election campaign. “China appears to be breaking WTO rules by denying foreign patent holders, including US companies, basic patent rights to stop a Chinese entity from using the technology after a licensing contract ends,” the US Trade Representative’s office said in a statement.

“China also appears to be breaking WTO rules by imposing mandatory adverse contract terms that discriminate against and are less favorable for imported foreign technology.”