The China International Animation Copyright Fair that opened on Sept 28 in city of Dongguan was again notable for having zero copyright disputes, continuing the trend of its previous three sessions, said organizers.

"We have never received a complaint on copyright infringement related to exhibited animations and online games," said Zhang Tongying, deputy secretary-general of the fair's executive committee. He termed it "a total breakthrough, the only one (with that status) in the country".

He said the committee has always given a top priority to copyright protection.

"Exhibitors are required to provide copyright certificates for their exhibited products ," Zhang said. "Those who did not pre-register needed to sign a letter of commitment that they have no form of copyright infringement behavior.

"More than 120 products completed copyright registration at the office during the first five days," he noted.

Zhang said the office was supported by the local copyright bureau, which provided copyright registration, consultation and law enforcement services.

"Public awareness of copyright protection still needs improvement," said the deputy secretary-general. "Some companies ignore smaller infringements and some even believe piracy makes their products more popular, which is ridiculous."

A Taiwan businessman attending the fair noted piracy can generate a large sum of money in a short time, but it destroys long-term market order, after which no one can profit.

Stringent copyright protection at the fair has attracted more investors and exhibitors, both domestic and foreign.

A total of 382 companies attended the week-long event in southern Gunagdong province this year, 107 more than in 2011, and signed contracts worth of 2.8 billion yuan ($445.4 million), said organizers.

Participants included 54 companies from other countries and regions, including Walt Disney, the BBC and the New Zealand film and special effects company Weta Workshop.

The BBC and its animation figures Teletubbies and Pig Webby made their debuts at a carnival-themed event.

Disney showcased animation models from productions including Spider Man, The Avengers, The Hulk and Capitan America.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/10/2012 page18)