SARFT cracks down on illegal copying in movie theaters

The suspected bootleg copy of Lost in Hong Kong movie widely spread on the Internet three days after its release on Sep 25, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

A circular to crack down on bootleg recording was issued by the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) on Monday. According to the circular, the cinema and the time where a film is illegally copied can be discovered accurately by using improved technology. SARFT is currently collecting information related to illegal copying with the coordination of related departments and the offenders will be investigated.

Companies and cinemas are required to enhance the protection of copyright and the administration of their branch cinemas. The cinemas need to strengthen the training of their staff on related laws and copyright protection. If the bootleg record is caught in the cinema, it must be stopped immediately. And more serious cases should be reported to the authorities.

The circular aims to protect the film copyright to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of the film industries.