Legislation for intangible cultural heritage protection on NPC table within a year

June 14 is the third Cultural Heritage Day. Zhang Jianhua, Director General, Department of Education, Science, Culture and Health under the Legislative Affairs Office (LAO) of the State Council revealed to our reporter on June 12, the Law on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the People's Republic of China (Draft) will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation within the year.

In CPC Propaganda Department's suggestion for legislative plan 2004-2013, the said law is within the first five-year plan. IPR legislative proceedings, such as those for geographical indications, traditional knowledge and genetic resources, are on LAO's prioritized agenda. Provisions on protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge have been included in the third revision of the Patent Law. Geographical indications are likewise to be in the third revision of the Trademark Law.