China's first agricultural intellectual property information center was officially opened Sunday in Yangling, Shaanxi Province.

At the opening ceremony, officials said the center will help China to use the patent system more effectively for the advancement of technological inventions and the protection of intellectual property rights in the agricultural sector.

The center offers access to three databanks run by Shaanxi and two by the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO). It has also set up a databank on China's agricultural patents.

It will also set up and offer access to more databanks in the future. Information about relevant consultations, training, international exchanges and cooperation will also be available.

The center is jointly founded by the provincial government of Shaanxi and the SIPO.

(People’s Daily November 5, 2001)