Scrutiny on internet copyright tightened

China's copyright supervision in the fields of the internet and new business forms will be tightened so that it can purify the online environment and promote innovation, according to the country's copyright regulator.

Clarifying the damages of piracy, Tang Zhaozhi, an official from the copyright management bureau with the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it has strengthened copyright protection in digital and new business industries, adding that such endeavors will be constantly increased.

He made the remark on Wednesday at a news conference introducing the latest achievements and plans concerning intellectual property protection and development.

While helping formulate and amend copyright-related laws to adapt to the rapid growth of new technologies and to regulate their behaviors in cyberspace, he said, "We've also intensified oversight on piracy on popular online platforms, including livestreaming, e-commerce, videos, music and literature."

He noted that these industries are where pirated works are frequently seen and where the public complains of copyright infringements the most, emphasizing "the tightened supervision aims to provide a sound environment for the high-quality development of copyrights and stimulate cultural creativity".

In addition, a few campaigns against piracy in the fields of film and sports events, such as the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, have been launched nationwide to make the crackdowns more targeted, he added.

He cited data revealing that copyright departments across the country have removed more than 250,000 web links for copyright infringement since the beginning of this year, with punishment meted out to more than 40,000 illegal online accounts.

Highlighting the importance of creating an atmosphere that respects copyright, he called for internet platforms and associations to join the protection team, with the establishment of fast channels to help copyright owners protect their rights and interests.

Over the past few years, China has stepped up efforts to become an intellectual property powerhouse by facilitating IP protection, optimizing IP services, advancing the transformation of IP rights and increasing international exchanges, according to Shen Changyu, head of the National Intellectual Property Administration.

Data released by Shen on Wednesday showed that as of September, China had 4.8 million invention patents and 45.1 million trademarks.

Last year, annual copyright registrations rose to 6.35 million.

To accelerate the building of a powerful IP country, "we'll improve the IP-related legal system by helping amend the Trademark Law and fully implementing specific rules of the revised Patent Law", he said.

The revisions to protection rules on geographical indications for products and integrated circuit layout designs will also be completed as quickly as possible, he added.