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.