The China Film Copyright Protection Association (CFCPA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing on Friday aimed at combating piracy.

According to the memo, the two organizations are expected to share information on the prevention and verification of film products to help prevent illegal copying of films.

The two will also assist enforcement personnel from China and the United States to fight piracy, the memo said.

China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Culture inked a memorandum on the crackdown on pirated U.S. home video products and Hollywood movies last July.

The CFCPA, established last August, aims to provide copyright consultation and take part in international affairs with overseas counterparts.

"The two bodies reached a consensus on principles including protecting film copyright and fighting piracy," Susan Shi, executive of the national department of the CFCPA told Xinhua on Friday.

Zhu Yongde, the CFCPA president and Greg Frazier, representing the MPAA signed the document. The signature ceremony was not open to reporters.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2006)