Copyright expo ends

The second China International Copyright Expo was held from Oct 24 to Oct 27 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.

The Expo consisted of four parts: an international copyright industry forum, industrial exhibition, thematic activities and cultural performances.

The copyright industry forum focused on core issues of copyright protection, transactions and copyright markets.

Topics also ranged from industrial innovation to the development of copyright investments and funding platforms.

The meeting addressed international cooperation, technology innovations and communications.

The International Copyright Expo was co-hosted by the China National Copyright Administration, Beijing Municipal People's Government, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Russia, China and IPR

The 14th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian premiers was held in Beijing, and the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.

China and Russia reported that the two countries will take measures to strengthen cooperation on trade, economic growth and technology.

Representatives of the two countries agreed to continue to promote bilateral activities relating to anti-monopoly and competition policies, especially in the application of advertising laws within the framework of an earlier agreement on competition and anti-monopoly policies signed in 1996.

IP movie being filmed

Filming recently began for China's first movie about intellectual property. The movie, Xiushui Street, is being produced by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Beijing News reported.

The film tells the story of a storeowner on Xiushui Street who was sued by a foreign company, but eventually developed a national brand with the support of the government.

Defense patents

Applications for national defense patents in China have reached 20,000.

In 1990, China put its first Regulations on National Defense Patents in force.

In September 2004, the newly revised Regulations on National Defense Patents were publicized, which further defined the law and regulatory system for national defense patents with Chinese characteristics.

National defense patent applications have increased every year since 1985. Since 2000, applications have increased by 40 percent each year.

Patent pledge loans

The first patent pledge loan in Tianjin was approved this fall.

On Oct 22, Song Honghai, the board chairman of Tianjin Weijie Technology Co Ltd, signed a loan contract with the Tianjin branch of the Bank of Dalian.

Under the contract, Weijie will obtain a pledge loan of 20 million yuan with four patent pledges.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited material assets can benefit from patent pledge loans, said He Zhimin, director of the Tianjin Intellectual Property Office.

"Patents also have their own market value as intangible assets. SMEs owning independent intellectual property rights could turn intellectual property rights into capital for production by starting an enterprise with patented technologies," He said.

A call for innovation

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, recently urged the country's companies to embrace independent innovation to create more international brands.

"It is the core of the country's development strategy to promote independent innovation," Li said.

Li made the remarks during a visit to Anhui province from Oct 15 to Oct 19.

While visiting automobile manufacturer Chery, Li said companies should enhance their international competence in support of the country's economic development.

Chery, the country's largest independent automaker, reported that sales in the first half of this year reached 211,000 units.

Li also visited local villages to discuss protection of traditional cultural heritages.

Li urged local governments to promote more cultural projects for residents.

(Source: China Daily)