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Crosstalk show artist Jiang Kun accepts an interview from China.org.cn. [Wang Ke/china.org.cn]

Jiang Kun, one of China's best known comedy stars, says a number of his showbiz colleagues asked him to raise the issue of intellectual property at the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body.

Jiang told China.org.cn: "There is a gap between China and developed countries in terms of public awareness of IPR protection, and we need to work on closing it. IPR protection is not just about economic development; it's a matter of respecting the value of people's work."

Jiang said IPR lawsuits involving artists and musicians have been rising in recent years.

"Artists' and musicians' work is available in all sorts of formats and this makes it hard to protect. Chinese artists are not very aware of the need to protect their copyright," he said. "And if a show or a song is the result of team work, it's difficult to know how to divide the profits fairly."

"IPR protection is the key to innovation, and crucial for the development of Chinese culture," he added.

Jiang suggested that relevant authorities lay down guidelines on fees artists should receive for the publication of books and paintings, and the broadcasting of songs and TV series.

Jiang also said celebrities are public figures and have a social responsibility to become advocates for IPR protection.

"Since celebrities enjoy so many privileges and have enormous social influence, they should act as role models," he said.

China is intensifying the promotion of IPR protection, and has launched nationwide campaigns every year since 2004. In 2008 the government unveiled a National Intellectual Property Rights Strategy, aimed at promoting innovation and the use of new technology in Chinese industry.

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