The World Trade Organization has drawn up a report urging China to enhance steps to protect intellectual property rights with stiffer fines and criminal penalties for offenders.

The report, titled "Trade Policy Review," was prepared for a WTO meeting that will review China's trade policies slated for May 21-23 in Geneva.

While acknowledging some legislative steps undertaken by China to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights, the report notes, "Questions remain about the sufficiency of fines and criminal penalties to deter IPR violations."

The report could stoke calls in the international community for stronger regulations to counter IPR violations by Chinese enterprises.