 LONDON, UK (IFPI) - IFPI today voiced its support for the call by the US 'International Intellectual Property Alliance' (IIPA) for increased pressure on China to deal with its rampant copyright piracy and improve market access to its international partners. The US alliance, which represents America's music, film and software intellectual property groups, has called on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate consultations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to address China's failure to crack down on copyright piracy through increased enforcement of its intellectual property rights law and stronger deterrence. A report on China's enforcement of intellectual property, submitted by the IIPA, highlights China's failure to comply with its international obligations and calls for urgent action. It would be the first time that China's intellectual property enforcement issues have been raised with the WTO. China tops IFPI's list of priority countries in the fight against piracy, with the world's largest pirate market worth just under US$600 million. IIPA's submission echoes remarks made by Jay Berman, until recently Chairman of IFPI, in his testimony to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on February 4. Berman highlighted two key priorities for the recording industry in China: first, the serious problem of enforcement in a market that is dominated by pirate recordings, despite increased raids undertaken and discs seized; and second, the market access barriers that continue to prevent entry for international recordings despite an increase in the number of titles officially sanctioned for release. Berman pointed to the need for China to:
- comply to the TRIPS Agreement, particularly effective enforcement
- significantly reduce piracy
- increase criminal sanctions and penalties for IPR violations
- conduct a major crackdown on pirates
- ratify the WIPO Internet Treaties as quickly as possible
- expand market access for foreign record companies
- increase customs enforcement actions against pirate imports and exports John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of IFPI said: 'China is an extraordinary market opportunity for the international recording industry. Yet piracy and market access remain a crucial obstacle to progress, and this is directly a result of China's failure to implement its international obligations. We therefore welcome the IIPA's call for consultations in the WTO.'
For further information please contact Adrian Strain or Julie Harari at IFPI Communications on tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7900
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