Treaty to bump up IP protections

Artists in China who previously could do little to stop people from filming and bootlegging their live performances will soon have legal protections after an international intellectual property treaty was approved by China's top legislature on Thursday.

The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, which protects performers' intellectual property rights, is expected to improve the country's image of IP protection globally.

"The treaty is the first of its kind to be finalized in China and to be named for a city in our country. Its approval shows our determination to tackle IP infringements in the audiovisual performing industry, and it will help us strengthen international cooperation in IP protection," said Yan Xiaohong, deputy director of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.