The Chinese government published an action plan on Wednesday to crack down on infringements of intellectual property rights (IPR) over the next two years and has vowed to prosecute local government officials who fail to follow the plan.

An official with a task force for IPR protection under the government said the plan highlighted the government's determination to protect IPR.

The plan promises to improve the country's legal framework, and increase administrative and judicial efforts to protect IPR.

China's crackdown on IPR infringements will encourage independent innovation and safeguard the legitimate interests and rights of IPR holders, says the plan.

Copyright piracy, trademark and patent infringements have been listed as a top priority.

Local governments are instructed to firmly clamp down on pirated audio and video disks, and on shipments of pirated products by mail, air, road and rail.

Local leaders will be held accountable for failures to protect intellectual property rights, and officials will be prosecuted if they are suspected of covering up IPR infringements, including failures to report criminal offences, says the plan.

It calls for closer cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to curb violations of IPR laws and regulations.

It also aims to improve awareness and capability in the corporate world, research institutions, and schools of higher learning, encouraging them to create, manage, use and safeguard IPR. Public education will also be strengthened.

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