China's largest copyright trade center will be launched in Beijing today, expected to bring in 100 million yuan in annual trade volume within three years.

Beijing International Copyright Trade Center will provide one-stop services on listing copyright information, conducting copyright business, investment and trade, said Liu Jun, executive director of the center.

The first phase of the project, located in Beijing's central business district, covers 5,000 sq m, which will later be expanded to 140,000 sq m, Liu said.

Five databases have been established, including text, pictures, music, video and software. The center has so far attracted over 100 copyrights of books and 100 copyrights of animations, films and TV series.

It also seeks international collaboration, such as signing a strategic deal with US-based Metro Music Productions Inc.

To guarantee legal protection to all players, it has teamed up with the Intellectual Property Committee of the All China Lawyers Association.

A professional copyright trade website, www.cnictc.com, has also been established, enabling an easy and fast e-business model.

Liu said Beijing, with its advantage in cultural content resources, is aiming to become a leader in China's cultural creative industry by 2010.

He said the country does not have a nationwide large-scale copyright trade center and most deals are carried out through book, audio and video, and animation fairs. "The new center provides a year-round platform for copyright owners, buyers, investors and professional agencies."

(China Daily 09/13/2007 page14)