Universities: Shanghai authorities recognize that illegal copying of textbooks is an issue at Shanghai universities, particularly in small-scale student-run facilities.
- In 2006, after being alerted of systematic infringement of textbooks at the textbook center at Fudan University, Shanghai Copyright Bureau authorities took enforcement action.
- Industry applauded the swift response by Shanghai authorities, with the expectation that follow-on activities would continue at Fudan and other universities in Shanghai.
- Other well-known Shanghai universities have also allowed wholesale book copying in on-campus textbook centers. Shanghai authorities should proactively continue to monitor campuses to prevent continuation of this illegal activity.
Zhejiang Province, a manufacturing hub in eastern China with a large proportion of privately owned production facilities and the major Ningbo port, has been identified over the years as a major distribution center for infringing goods to overseas markets. Rights holders have repeatedly drawn attention to the city of Yiwu as an important distribution center for small commercial goods.
Zhejiang authorities reported on proactive efforts they have undertaken to combat IPR infringement.
- In 2004, Zhejiang established an IPR task force to facilitate interagency cooperation. Its work has included clarifying rules regarding trade fair and publishing house IPR protection, improving legislation and implementing special programs with manufacturers and retailers.
- More recently, Zhejiang's enforcement efforts have increased in the area of wholesale markets and trade fairs.
- In 2006, the government established IPR Complaint Centers in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Yiwu and Wenzhou, and Zhejiang authorities confirmed their continued increased attention to registration and protection of geographical indications.
- In late 2006, Zhejiang province co-hosted an IPR enforcement seminar with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on global trends and best practices.
Hot Spots, according to industry:
- The cities of Ningbo, Cixi, Yiwu and Wenzhou have been particularly associated with counterfeiting manufacturing and distribution (including export).
- Industry representatives have noted that counterfeiters have been moving to the smaller cities of Yuhuan and Taizhou in response to increased enforcement efforts in Yiwu, Cixi and Ningbo.
- While Operation Mountain Eagle initially reduced the amount of foreign distribution and sales activity in Zhejiang, there are signs that Chinese business representatives are seeking to displace foreigners in distributing counterfeit goods abroad.
Retail and Wholesale Markets: Zhejiang is home of the China Small Commodities Market in Yiwu, reportedly the world's largest wholesale market. Yiwu municipal officials welcomed a U.S. Government delegation to discuss local IPR issues.
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