Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday urged authorities to step up their fight against intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements.

When addressing a national meeting on IPR protection, Wen said authorities should target root causes of IPR violations, strengthen IPR protection especially with regard to Internet use.

The premier stressed the need for strengthened law enforcement and supervision in IPR protection and said China would increase its international exchange and cooperation to further protect IPR.

Government workers or judicial staff should be severely punished if they abuse their power to seek benefit from activities that infringe on IPR, Wen stressed. Authentic software must be used in government departments.

Wen also urged authorities to promote the practices of firms and individuals who have contributed to IPR protection work.

Also on Friday, the State Council issued an action plan to crack down on IPR infringement and counterfeit products as part of a national campaign that will last for half a year beginning from the end of October.

According to the action plan, businesses involved in IPR infringement and counterfeit products will be publicly reported, and severe punishment will be meted out to those in violation.

To supervise the crackdown, the State Council has set up a leading group led by Vice Premier Wang Qishan. Members of the group include senior officials from China's ministries and administrations.

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2010)