China has offered another concession to the United States, this time involving intellectual property (IP). On Sept. 18, China's Ministry of Commerce unveiled a four-month crackdown on IP theft. The ministry's stated goals include creating a fair, competitive market and encouraging foreign investment by limiting IP rights violations. The crackdown's targets will include outright theft of business secrets, brand-name knockoffs, and trade in goods that violate IP rights. The move comes at a time of considerable U.S. backlash against China, particularly against the country's trade and investment policies. Last month, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened an investigation examining Chinese technology transfer and IP policies. It was the proverbial sledgehammer in the U.S. trade toolbox . If the United States determines that Chinese practices restrict U.S. commerce, the White House will have a legal basis for leveling significant, wide-ranging trade measures against China.