Book copyright deals

Chinese publishers recently signed an unprecedented volume of copyright deals at the Frankfurt Book Fair, completing contracts for at least 2,192 copyright items.

This was the largest number of transactions for China in the history of its attendance at the annual Frankfurt event, the world's biggest book fair.

Of the total contracts, Chinese publishers imported 1,310 copyright items and exported 882 titles to foreign counterparts, Zhang Fuhai, a senior official from the Chinese delegation, said at a press conference.

China was the formal guest of honor at this year's book fair, and 223 publishing houses from the Chinese mainland were represented at the event.

Zhang attributed the sharp rise in copyright trade volume to China's role as the guest of honor, as well as to China's rising influence in the world.

Zhang said he expected more contracts to be inked by Chinese publishers as a result of the mid-October fair.

The Chinese government has adopted a "going-out" strategy, which encourages Chinese publishers to export more book copyrights abroad to promote Chinese culture.

Copyright debut

China's copyright service station made its debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair to promote the country's copyright protection efforts.

Professionals consulted fair participants about China's copyright protections. English-version video clips were played in rotation to help participants understand copyright protection laws and policies in China.

Staff members at the station distributed booklets on how to handle copyright-related affairs in China.

During the fair, delegations from throughout the world received English-language guides to China's copyright system.

A trademark record

Through Sept 30, the number of international registrations of trademarks accepted by China reached 139,900.

China for a fourth consecutive year assumed the lead position among members of the Madrid International Trademark Registration League in annual numbers of applications for territorial extension.

Fu Shuangjian, deputy director of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), announced China's new ranking on Oct 18 at the 20th Anniversary Symposium for China's Entering the Madrid System for the International Registration of Trademarks.

Fu said that China had established a comprehensive mechanism for Madrid System international registrations of trademarks during the past 20 years.

Fu said China cultivated a skilled team that mastered the Madrid System and widely promoted the Madrid System.

SAIC will continue to positively promote the implementation of its trademark strategy, including use of the Madrid System, he said.

Fu added that China would continue striving to become a strong trademark center in promoting development of China's economy and society.

Cross-Straits trade

The director of the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office announced that trademark registration applications filed by people from the Chinese mainland this year will probably exceed 1,000 and reach a record high.

In recent years, trademark registration applications filed by applicants from the mainland in Taiwan were increasing year after year.

In the first nine months of this year, there were 836 applications.

By contrast, the trademark registration applications filed by Taiwan applicants in Taiwan have steadily declined in the past three years, according to the office.

Trademarks registered by Taiwanese applicants on the Chinese mainland have been increasing in recent years.

Cultural heritage

The Ministry of Culture reports that the number of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) identities has increased from 25 to 29.

China will establish exhibitions to promote public awareness about the country's diverse heritage groups.

According to provisions by UNESCO, the declaration of an ICH does not mean the country has the exclusive rights for the ICH.

Comics festival

The 2nd China International Comics Festival was recently held in Guangzhou.

The Animation Copyright Fair, "Golden Dragon" Award Ceremony and Guangzhou Hong Kong and Macao Animation Game Show were among the events.

The festival reported a copyright transaction volume of more than 4 billion yuan.

Fake drug ads

Thirteen departments of the State Council have launched a special campaign to crack down on false pharmaceutical advertisements via the Internet and other media, as well as the distribution of fake drugs.

Investigators will target fake medicine advertising and sales venues on the Internet, and also target the illegal distribution of fake medicines through postal and other delivery services.

The crackdown began in September and will end in June 2010, when investigators will report on the results of their work.

(Source: China Daily)