China will launch a new national campaign to crack down on violations of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and on the production and distribution of fake and shoddy products.

The decision was made at a regular meeting of the State Council Tuesday, which was presided over by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The campaign will last for half a year, beginning from the end of October.

The campaign will target pirated publications, software products, DVDs, designs and other products with IPRs, as well as violations of registered trademarks and patents, both at the production and distribution levels.

The campaign will also enhance China's scrutiny over the import and export of fake goods and mete out stern punishment to businesses involved in the import and export of such goods.

The campaign will target Internet piracy and the sale of pirated and fake goods via the Internet.

Additionally, the State Council directed all government agencies to purchase only authorized software and their upgraded versions.

At the Tuesday meeting, a draft regulation on gas use in urban areas was also passed in a bid to secure gas supplies and eliminate safety risks.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2010)