China strengthens movie copyright protection

BEIJING - China launched a campaign targeting copyright infringement of movies to be screened during the upcoming Spring Festival movie-going season.

Initiated by copyright and film regulators and police authorities, the operation will focus on fighting against illegal recordings of cinema films, among other violations.

The Spring Festival holiday, typically one of the busiest moviegoing periods of the year in China, starts from Feb 11. Seven domestic movies, including Detective Chinatown 3, are slated for release on the Spring Festival which falls on Feb 12.

During the campaign, regulators will step up efforts to crack down on illegal filming and recording in cinemas, as well as the spread of pirated films.

Cinemas, online streaming service providers and film associations are also encouraged to take part in copyright protection.