The intellectual property rights (IPR) watchdog has turned its attention to Internet infringements after launching a successful campaign to contain DVD and CD piracy.

In its sights are illegal downloads of films, music, software and textbooks, which have been described as "rampant."

"IPR infringements on the Internet not only violate the interests of copyright holders but also stain the country's reputation globally," said Long Xinmin, head of the National Copyright Administration (NCA), which along with the ministries of public security and commerce, launched a three-month campaign on Monday.

The IPR watchdog has vowed to clamp down on major websites which offer unauthorized downloads. While it has no authority to deal with foreign websites offering illegal material, it is targeting local sites which offer either links outside the country or unauthorized downloads.

The administration collaborated with major IPR protection associations in the country to collect evidence for 302 Internet IPR infringement cases during a one-month investigation, according to Wang Ziqiang, head of the NCA's copyright management department.

"The number is double that of last year, which means that Internet copyright infringement is still rampant," Wang said.

Officials have tracked down the website operators and their details will be passed on to local copyright bureaus for action, said Wang.

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