CHINA: Over 42 million pirated items in 31 regions destroyed shortly after the USA files anti-piracy cases against China at the WTO

Record ID: 1533526

  • Title: CHINA: Over 42 million pirated items in 31 regions destroyed shortly after the USA files anti-piracy cases against China at the WTO
  • Date: 19th April 2007
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF HANDS PUTTING DVDS INTO MACHINES TO BE DESTROYED DVDS
  • Embargoed: 4th May 2007 11:58
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China
  • Country: China
  • Topics: Legal System,Arts / Culture / Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVADMXYPH3K3199X2ZR3VHGFEYKL
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Over 42 million pirated items were destroyed in China on Saturday (April 14), in what authorities say is the biggest crackdown on piracy in the past 20 years.
    The nationwide campaign of destroying the pirated items took place in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and cities in China, where fake designer goods and pirated Hollywood blockbusters can be next to nothing on most street corners.
    In Beijing, stacks of DVDs of Hollywood films and other movies were destroyed.
    China frequently says it wants to crack down on piracy and intellectual property theft. During its National People's Congress, China's parliament, in March, the country announced the launch of a website to publicise the issue.
    But analysts say China's efforts to crack down on piracy will not work until punishments are tougher and enforcement better.
    Liu Binjie, vice minister of the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) said much of the responsibility is in the hands of the people.
    "The level of legal consciousness of our citizens to protect intellectual property needs to be raised. This is the fundamental solution to solving the issue," Liu Binjie said.
    A recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences found poor enforcement created leadership vacuums that helped pirates escape punishment.
    The study called for tougher punishments -- jail terms rather than fines -- and the establishment of a steering department under the State Council, or Cabinet, to coordinate protection of intellectual property.
    The study also revealed piracy also substantially reduced the government's tax revenues, encouraged the growth of illegal employment and undermined the development of China's own movie industry.
    The United States took action on Tuesday (April 10) at the World Trade Organisation against Beijing for piracy and blocking access for U.S. films, books and software.
    Charging that China was breaking its 2001 WTO entry agreement, Washington sought consultations with Beijing over the twin complaints, which could lead to a formal case being brought if no deal can be struck within 60 days.
    China regularly defends its record on fighting piracy, saying it is a developing country and needs time.
    "We are demonstrating our attitude to the international community. Although a certain country filed cases against China over the piracy issue at the WTO and appealed on April 10, we stick to our positive efforts and firm determination to fulfil our promise to the international community in cracking down on piracy," Liu Binjie, vice minister of the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) said.
    The government limits the number of foreign films shown in cinemas to 20 per year and legitimate copies of movies make up only seven percent of what is available.
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