The Chinese Government has begun distributing handbooks to schools explaining copyright law.

It is an attempt to discourage the nation's schoolchildren from buying cheap, pirated copies of computer software and pop music.

Following China's accession to the World Trade Organisation, the authorities are finding it necessary to strengthen their efforts on copyright protection.

The BBC Beijing correspondent says up to now China has seemed unable, and at times unwilling, to really tackle copyright piracy.

A new trademark law came into effect over the weekend, designed to prevent the imitation of famous brands.

But our correspondent says it is unlikely the law will be enforced adequately to stem the tide of fake goods on sale openly in the capital.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service