"Piracy battle a global one, Shiner tells AFM attendees." Hollywood Reporter -- Internaional (2005) Vol. 391 Issue 37, p96-96, 1/3p

This article from the Hollywood Reporter describes the message given y Josette Sheeran Shiner on behalf of the US Secretary of State at the American Federation of Musicians.  Shiner states that international intellectual property protection is important for everyone, not just studios in Hollywood.  Shiner states that the problem of intellectual piracy is rampant in the world in nearly all sectors, not just entertainment.

            Shiner credits the MPA for its work protecting film products, but she states that the problem is much broader than the ‘audiovisual sector.’  The same problem that exists with intellectual piracy in film also exists with “manufactured good from baby foods to automobile parts,” Shiner states, highlighting the need for better protection.  In attempts to strengthen protection of US goods, the United States has joined APAC and the G8 with hopes of timely positive results.

            As countries develop protection against piracy, Shiner claims that they tend to strengthen their own investment and brand names as well.  Shiner refers to China as a region in which positive progress has been made to protect intellectual property with encouraging results.

            This article points to the fact that countries that better protect intellectual property, better protect their own property, and in turn help cultivate it.  Intellectual property theft is extremely common in China and as steps are taken to protect rights, brands and exports are cultivated and delivered to the rest of the world.  Piracy in China has greatly hurt the Chinese film industry however, as law enforcement of intellectual property improves, the cultivation of film improves.

            American cinema benefits from this through distribution and potential value for American remakes of movies.  Few mainland Chinese movies are released in America due to the lack of quality from extensive piracy.  However, once practices change, both China and the United State can greatly benefit from better product production, distribution, and authorized adaptation.