NCA Liu Binjie: Shanzhai is not piracy

"Shanzhai (copycat culture) works, if they are valuable and good, should be included in the scope of copyright protection", said Liu Binjie, Director of National Copyright Administration (NCA) at an online interview.

Liu Binjie pointed out: "Shanzhai and piracy is not the same thing. Shanzhai culture is the creation of the public and embodies the creativity of folk culture. It has to certain extent its basis for existence and market demand, and is loved by the public. We should guide and standardize Shanzhai culture. If it does not violate other people's copyright or illegally use others' works, Shanzhai work is not pirated. "

Liu Binjie said: "We should fight against piracy, safeguard IPR of independent innovation and support the creation of the public. We should also promote the circulation and dissemination of copyright works and exert their role in society." [Chinese version is available on People's Daily Online]