China to fight counterfeit products, piracy

China will launch a campaign against intellectual property right (IPR) violations as well as counterfeit and substandard products, according to a statement issued Friday.

The campaign, which will be launched this year, will focus on agricultural production materials and substandard or fake food and drug products. Infringements upon trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property will also be punished, according to a notice issued by the General Office of the State Council.

The campaign covers agricultural materials, food, construction materials, vehicle parts, electronics, organic products, as well as online literature, music, videos and software, according to the statement.

Products being exported to Africa and IPR infringement involving foreign countries will also be included in the campaign.

China will maintain a strict attitude toward criminal investigation and judicial punishment for related illegal activities, the statement said.

It also urged local governments and departments to build a long-term system covering legal, administrative and judicial areas to facilitate the fight against such illegal activities.

China will also cooperate with developed economies including the United States, Japan and European countries as well as emerging markets to crack down on cross-border crimes. The country also supports its enterprises to safeguard their intellectual property while operating overseas, the statement said.