Microsoft (MSFT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Suzhou Municipal Intellectual Property Right Bureau on protecting intellectual property rights.

According to the MOU, the parties will strengthen their promotion of copyright protection; encourage the sale and use of legitimate software; support and guide software industry's development; explore ways for improving Suzhou's software copyright protection; and make the city a sample for copyright protection.

The parties plan to achieve these goals through four measures of building legitimate software service platform, carrying out copyright promotions, organizing education on legitimate value and promoting software legitimization.

Liu Chunqi, director of SMIPRB, said that Suzhou municipal government has decided to extend the successful experience of Kunshan, which had made achievements in copyright protection after being made a demonstration city, to each of the districts in Suzhou and its surrounding areas. By joining hands with local enterprises, they hope to further expand copyright protection to all levels of the city.