KUNMING: Twelve karaoke bars in Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, have decided to pay copyright royalties, a month after the National Copyright Administration issued an order proclaiming such fees mandatory.

The 12 karaoke bars signed agreements with the China Audio and Video Association (CAVA) to pay the royalties within 15 days, according to CAVA's liaison office in Kunming.

After receiving positive feedback from the 12 karaoke bars, CAVA decided to charge a preferential daily rate of 8 yuan ($1) for each private room at the bars.

The National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) set the highest daily rate for each private room at a karaoke bar at 12 yuan ($1.50) on November 9.

Meanwhile, 30 other karaoke bars in the city have said they were willing to sign agreements with CAVA and are expected to conclude a deal after the Spring Festival, which ends on February 25, according to the liaison office.

"Paying royalties protects intellectual property rights and is conducive to the smooth development of the karaoke industry," said Xie Yongjun, general manager of TOP ONE KTV in Kunming.

Xinhua

(China Daily 02/16/2007 page3)