New measures to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) have been unveiled.

The State Office of Intellectual Property Protection, together with other relevant departments, issued "China's Action Plan on IPR Protection 2006" yesterday.

The plan defines China's tasks in IPR protection this year and guidelines relating to them.

"It's the first comprehensive annual action plan we have formulated," said an official with the office.

The plan, to be formulated every year, reflects the strong determination of the Chinese Government to enforce the protection of IPR, he said.

It covers four major areas trademark, copyright, patent, and import and export and involves IPR protection arrangements of 11 departments, including the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Information Industry, and Ministry of Commerce.

In line with the action plan, China will draft or revise 17 laws, regulations, and measures relating to trademark, copyright, patent and customs protection, and clarify six judicial interpretations.

To establish a long-term mechanism on intellectual property rights protection, the government will take such measures as building a service centre for the reporting and complaining of IPR violations, and publicizing law enforcement statistics.

"IPR protection is a global issue. We will increase our collaboration with other countries in this regard," said an official with the IPR office.

In order to raise the general public's awareness of intellectual property rights protection, 21 training programmes will be organized this year.

Source: China Daily