Putin about importance of work on copyright protection

Vladimir Putin drew the government's attention to the importance of work in the sphere of copyright protection.

When opening on Monday a regular session of the Cabinet, Vladimir Putin noted that Russian moviemakers are concerned about unsettled issues in the sphere of piracy and protection of intellectual property. Vladimir Putin met with Russian moviemakers on Saturday in the course of his visit to Mosfilm.

Upon the request of the Russian President, First Deputy Minister of the Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev, who at present fulfils the duties of the Interior Minister, spoke about the work of the law-enforcement bodies in this sphere.

Nurgaliyev disclosed that due to measures taken Russian and foreign experts estimated the decrease of the turnover of pirate products, including video products - down to 60% (75-80% in 1998-1999), audio products - down to 64% (80% in 1998-1999). However, the level of pirate DVD products and software remains high - approximately 90%, he noted.