IP Scene

Another 17 named 'old Chinese brands'

Another 17 local companies were recently included on the list of renowned old Chinese brands.

The additions to the list all founded before 1956 are mostly from the food, alcohol and restaurant sectors with a widespread reputation in the nation.

The program was initiated by the Ministry of Commerce in 2006 and 10 Shanxi companies were included at that time.

The ministry will offer listed companies a range of support for intellectual property protection, financing and services.

Sxrb.com

Copyright union for animation industry

A copyright protection union for the domestic animation industry was founded in mid-August to battle the frequent infringements that plague the industry.

Animators should now join hands to protect intellectual property rights, said Wang Yuntian, vice-president of Shanghai Film Group, one of co-founders of the organization.

The union is expected to help stabilize the industry and increase copyright awareness among the public, he added.

The union's first infringement fight will be against a movie based on the classical animated TV series "Black Cat Captain", especially on the Internet and DVDs.

Xinhuanet.com

10 projects added to national 'Torch Program'

Ten projects in the northwestern province were added to the 2010 National Torch Program and National New Products Program in late August, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The torch program promotes high-tech industries in China through support to electronics, information, biotechnology, medicine and new materials.

Inclusion in the two programs is expected to promote industrialization and help companies increase innovation, said Wang Shuzhen, a senior official from the provincial government.

Xinhuanet.com

Regulations to govern 'intangible heritage'

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deliberated a draft law in late August to govern intangible heritage and sites.

Commonly known as folklore and crafts, intangible heritage covers traditional activities ranging from song and dance to art and clothing.

According to the draft, government culture departments nationwide will be required to establish public files and databases on cultural heritage programs approved by local or central governments.

The State Council and provincial-level cultural authorities can then designate practitioners of approved heritage programs.

The draft also specifies qualifications and obligations of practitioners as well as details of support for programs.

Chinanews.com

Automated greenhouse for vegetables, flowers

The city's first high-tech botanical farm with proprietary technologies began operation in the capital city recently.

The 1,289 sq m greenhouse uses modern automation to increase yield and improve the quality of vegetables and flowers.

stdaily.com

Copyrights to cover computer databases

Copyright protection is expected to be extended to computer database and other data, according to the draft of revised copyright law in the special administrative region.

The draft also proposes expanding protection of traditional copyrights to the Internet and digital domains.

Infringers may face criminal punishment, according to the draft.

The law draft will soon be submitted to legislators following its discussion on August 19.

Xinhuanet.com