Major acts in recent days (07-12-17)

Karaoke copyright royalties

The first standards for showing karaoke programs, formulated by the Ministry of Culture, took effect this month. The rules define standards for songs permitted to be played in karaoke houses.

A system for collecting royalties was also put into experimental operation the seven provinces and autonomous region of Sichuan, Henan, Yunnan, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning and Xinjiang.

The system includes government supervision and collection of copyright royalties calculated by the number of times songs are played. The system is expected to be implemented nationwide next year.

Shandong to buy from SMEs

To enhance the development of its hi-tech industry, East China's Shandong Province will make purchases from small and medium-sized enterprises and local companies with innovative products.

The local government says the move will strengthen support for independent innovation and give recognition to software, computer and biomedicine products.

The government is also encouraging hi-tech companies to exchange property rights and has established a funding mechanism for them.

Promoting legitimate DVDs

The Motion Picture Association and China Film Copyright Protection Association have announced they will distribute 200,000 refrigerator magnets to buyers of legitimate DVDs carrying a message from Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan - "Thank you for purchasing legitimate DVDs. Your action determines the future of the film industry."

The campaign supported by Amazon.com's China operation, www.amazon.cn, also known as www.joyo.com, will include the magnets in packaging for the films Perfect Stranger, The Bourne Ultimatum and No Reservations at supermarkets, retail outlets, bookstores, or through e-commerce websites.

"The Chinese film industry is recognized all over the world. Its movies have won many accolades and will continue to win many more in the years to come," said Mike Ellis, senior vice-president and regional director, Asia-Pacific for the Motion Picture Association.

"The industry also employs thousands of talented people and provides a wonderful opportunity for budding filmmakers in the country. But all this is under threat unless we act to stop the rampant piracy that plagues China."

Fake Mickey, Winnie the Pooh

Counterfeit Disney humidifiers have been found on sale in two supermarkets in Beijing just one month after legitimate products hit the market, according to a Beijing Daily report.

Beijing Yadu Science & Technology Co Ltd is authorized by the Walter Disney Co to produce humidifiers modeled on classic cartoon characters including Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse - but they have already been copied.

"We will take legal action against infringing activities, if necessary," said the Asia-Pacific division of the Walt Disney Company.

Industry insiders say that counterfeiting small electrical home appliances is common as many companies do not have the capacity to design their own products.