EntGroup CEO Leon Gao giving a speech in Tencent Video's promotion conference
China's on-line video industry is booming, and so is piracy. Our reporter Su Yuting looks at the importance of copyright protection in such a competitive, innovative sector.
Online video is becoming a bigger and more sophisticated business.
It’s particularly true in China. The country has the largest number of viewers: around 450 million, or nearly 80% of its Internet users. The number is expected to rise to around 700 million by 2016.
But success brings its own headaches. China’s major Internet players are taking content licensing seriously. Producing content means they now have intellectual property to protect.
“We are facing daunting challenges, as mobile Internet video piracy remains rampant in China and the cost is increasingly high. Earlier this month, we worked on a joint declaration with other companies to call on the video industry, the copyright holders and film and television practitioners to work together to fight such piracy. We will keep obeying the rules with self-discipline, as well as advancing new technology to fight against copyright violations." Wang Juan, chief editor of Tencent Video, said.
Web-based video services will be the biggest application in the Internet industry in the coming years. But analysts warn that with big money to be made, the industry is at risk.
"The online video industry could be affected if these malpractices continue. Copyright infringement will severely blow various interest parties and hurt the creative industries. So, we hope copyright holders will strengthen cooperation and enhance technical measures to fight against piracy." Leon Gao, president of EntGroup Consulting, said.
Reporter: "Legislators and content owners have been trying a variety of measures to combat piracy. But copyright infringement is still a common problem confronting the online video industry. Tighter regulations are needed to protect intellectual property rights, and ensure competition remains fair and strong.