Shen Ren'gan, vice director of the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), said that relevant departments are now drafting rules and establishing institutions to facilitate the smooth implementation of the amended copyright law.

China's copyright law was issued on June 1, 1991. The 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 9th National People's Congress (NPC) approved the amendments to the law on October 27, 2001.

Shen said that changes in the international and domestic environments, development of the information technology and China's WTO entry demanded amendments to China's copyright laws.

Sources said that 53 out of the 56 stipulations of the original copyright law were revised and the amended law now has 60 clauses.

Wang Huapeng, a NCAC official, said that the amendments cover changes to the legal rights and responsibilities of copyright holders, and collective administration of copyrights.

The amended law features regulations relating to online copyright protection.

Wang said that the amendments greatly reduce differences between China's copyright laws and the international treaties on copyright protection, and WTO copyright stipulations.

Sources said that the amended copyright law guarantees equal protection to foreign and Chinese copyright holders and is expected to promote the development of patented products in international and Chinese markets.

( November 8, 2001)