Copyright Law Amended in Preparation for WTO EntryChina plans to amend its existing copyright law to meet the requirements of the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).The National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee began to examine the draft amendments to the copyright law on Friday, December 22. The existing copyright law, which has been in place since June 1,1991, is contradictory to the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in some areas, said Shi Zongyuan, director of China's National Copyright Administration and the State Press and Publication Administration. China has promised to fully implement all WTO rules, including those on intellectual property. Therefore, the law needs to be amended, Shi said. In line with the international rules, the draft amendments specify the copyright rules regarding the rights to copy, issue, rent, exhibit, perform, broadcast, disseminate, video-shoot, adapt, translate and compile. In recent years, frequently occurring copyright infringements endangered the legitimate rights of individuals and social benefits, Shi said. The administration authorities will tighten control over illegal activities concerning copyrights, Shi said. |
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