Shanghai Takes Measures to Fight Against PiratingVideo and audio product dealers in Shanghai recently signed a cooperative agreement with the International Recording Industry Association (IRIA) to strengthen the fight against pirated products.Fang Quanlin, municipal official in charge of culture and entertainment market, said, "Shanghai is doing its best to pride itself as a model anti-pirating city." The Shanghai Asian Music Festival, which opened on November 25 as part of the ongoing Shanghai International Festival of Arts, is setting an anti-pirating theme. Since May, a series of activities have been staged in Shanghai, such as an anti-pirating concert, a public signing of a 100-meter long scroll, and the destroying of 500,000 pirated video and audio products. Shanghai was the first city in China to establish an anti-pirating alliance and institute a General Inspection Squad of Cultural Activities for comprehensive management of the market. Lan Yiming, deputy head of the General Squad, said large profit margins motivate pirating and local protectionism foments the illegal activity. Shanghai is to make stricter qualification standards for obtaining access to the market. Rao Ruiqiang, IRIA's top director in the Asian Region, said, "We have deeply perceived Shanghai Municipal Government's will and strength to fight against pirating." |
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