China's National Copyright Administration (NCA) has called for a campaign to crackdown on pirated copies of one of the latest animated movie hits, Shrek 2.

Shrek 2, produced by US-based Dreamworks SKG, opened in Chinese theaters on August 10 and authorized VCDs and DVDs will not be on sale until November 5, a news release said yesterday.

The calls follow a September 20 complaint from Dreamworks to the NCA that pirated copies of the movie were on sale in China in shops, on the street and via internet-based networks.

Shrek 2 was released in the US on May 19 after premiering at Cannes and is the sequel to the Academy Award-winning blockbuster Shrek.

The NCA has initiated investigations and asked copyright departments across China to tighten local supervision. In a circulated notice, they said that any VCDs or DVDs of Shrek 2 sold before November 5 are to be regarded as pirated and confiscated.

Any markets or companies that sell or produce illegal copies of Shrek 2 will face penalties, whilst serious cases will be submitted to judicial departments.

The NCA said regional copyright departments have stepped up their vigilance and that companies caught making pirated copies will be publicly named.

(China Daily October 21, 2004)