Chinese officials reportedly have arrested nearly 4,000 people in connection with software piracy allegations and have ordered nearly 200 web sites to remove content believed to constitute copyright infringements. Some Chinese web sites have replaced unauthorized content with deals from labels like Sony and Warner Brothers, but these web sites are struggling with the expense to acquire legitimately licensed movies and music. In addition, recent investigations into approximately 2,000 cases of copyright infringement may have a monetary value of $350 million. Chinese officials say they expect their campaign against software piracy to last through May, but U.S. officials expect the process may extend well beyond that time-frame.
Software piracy within the context of U.S.-China relations was an important discussion point during Chinese leader Hu Jintao’s recent visit with President Barack Obama, as it has been in past meetings.” The United States has been pressuring China – host to many hotspots of copyright infringement, where counterfeit software, video games, music, and movies are produced – to enforce copyrights and trademarks to prevent software piracy and counterfeit goods from mass production.
The new steps taken by the Chinese government indicate that China is at least serious about appearing to prevent IP infringement within its borders, though time will tell whether recent reported efforts are for the purpose of gaining short-term leverage in trade discussions or are indicative of meaningful, lasting reform.