Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday urged authorities to step up their fight against intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements.

When addressing a national meeting on IPR protection, Wen said authorities should target root causes of IPR violations, strengthen IPR protection especially with regard to Internet use.

The premier stressed the need for strengthened law enforcement and supervision in IPR protection and said China would increase its international exchange and cooperation to further protect IPR.

Government workers or judicial staff should be severely punished if they abuse their power to seek benefit from activities that infringe on IPR, Wen stressed. Authentic software must be used in government departments.

Wen also urged authorities to promote the practices of firms and individuals who have contributed to IPR protection work.