(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090319/CNTH014 ) Supporting documents and translation: Fig 1. Directory of 1st CGDC and CGDC' 09 Official Press Conference Top-Left: 3.1 Supporting Units General Administration of the Press and Publication of P.R. China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of P.R. China Ministry of Science and Technology of P.R. China Shanghai Municipal Government 3.2 International Strategic Partners: International Data Group CMP Technology 3.3 Organizers IDG World Expo China Co., Ltd. Beijing Howell International Exhibition Co., Ltd. 3.5 Invited Supporting Units Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Press & Publication Shanghai municipal Committee Of information Top-Right: Parties A Beijing Howell International Exhibition Co., Ltd. Parties B IDG World Expo China Co., Ltd. Parties C CMP Media LLC. Bottom-Left: It has been shown definitely on the show directory of 1st CGDC that: Organizing Units: IDG World Expo China Co., Ltd. Beijing Howell International Exhibition Co., Ltd Strategic international Partners: International Data Group CMP Technology Bottom-Right: VIPs present at the CGDC'09 official Press Conference From Left to Right Mr. Jun Yu, SVP of IDG Asia & China Region Mr. Zhihai Han, Vice Secretary General of the Organizing Committee Mr. Xiaowei Kou, Vice Director of Dept. of Technology and Digital Publishing of P.R. China Mr. Yufeng Chi, Chairman of the board and CEO of Perfect World Ms. Yu Li, CEO of Shanda Game Mr. Bojun, Qiu, Chairman of the board and CEO of Kingsoft
In an article titled, "Game Developers Conference Director Clarifies GDC China Confusion" that appeared on Gamasutra.com on March 4, Game Developer Conference ("GDC") executive director Meggan Scavio was quoted as saying, "Howell came aboard at the end of 2007 GDC China event and their participation was limited at best. This partnership was dissolved in 2008 due to irreconcilable differences regarding the content model and operation processes. As per the written agreement, Think Services (a division of United Business Media) retains sole ownership of Game Developers Conference China (GDC China) trademark and related intellectual properties."
In response the statement from the GDC executive director, Howell International wishes to reaffirm that Think Services' accusation of CGDC being "unofficial" is invalid and unfounded. CGDC is an international conference in the publication industry that is approved by the General Administration of Press and Publication of People's Republic of China (GAPP). This industrial event, which is held in a Chinese territory, also complies with all relevant Chinese regulations and laws concerning the name and title of the conference. As a Chinese brand under the protection of Chinese law, CGDC is not in any way related to the GDC in America, nor does it need any authorization from Think Services.
Howell International also notes that back in 2007, Think Services attempted to hold a GDC China event without prior approval from the Chinese authorities. Then, during the preparation period, Think Services, for fear of a backlash on event sponsors, speakers and participants, and in order to meet relevant laws and regulations in China, went ahead and submitted an application for approval to the Chinese government through two Chinese partners, IDG and Howell International. It was then approved by GAPP with the following written instructions: "The title of the event should represent China's game industry, and it shall not become a branch of certain brands of international events held by any foreign business organization." Therefore, that year's event was named "China Game Developers Conference" (CGDC) as a self-owned independent brand and IP by the Organizers, while the proposed title by Think Services of "GDC China" was rejected. CGDC 2007 was hosted by Howell and IDG while Think Services was merely an overseas strategic partner. In a word, what was held in China in 2007 was CGDC, not GDC China as Think Services has claimed. As such, Howell International believes that it is actually Think Services, by promoting their event, called GDC China 2009, without any authorization from the Organizers of CGDC, and using all prepared materials including photos and audience date, is the organization responsible for any confusions that are coming as a result of the similar event names.
As hosts of CGDC 2007, Howell and IDG were fully in charge of all relevant affairs, including the application for government approval, invitations to Chinese speakers, marketing, sponsorships, audience and on-site management, with the only exception of foreign speakers who were invited by Think Services. The program and topics of that conference were decided by an Advisory Board of five experts from China. Thus, what Think Services claimed about the hosting and holding of CGDC 2007 was far from the truth.
In 2008, the three parties developed irreconcilable differences, as Scavio said, and cooperation ended.
In 2009, the China Game Publishers Association, the country's largest trade association of the game industry with over 130 members, and Howell International Trade Fair Ltd. received official authorization from the GAPP to hold China Games Developer Conference. With the practical needs of Chinese game companies in mind, they are sure to host a successful and fruitful conference and bring CGDC to even greater international fame and standing, like ChinaJoy.
For more information about CGDC, please visit http://www.chinagdc.com.cn .
General Administration of Press and Publication of People's Republic of China (GAPP) is the duly authorized government organization to:
-- draft laws and regulations concerning administration of press,
publication and copyright, as well as policies and guidelines for the
press & publication industry, and formulate and enforce relevant rules;
-- oversee and supervising all kinds of publication activities, including
censoring the content of publications and administration of copyright;
-- deal with foreign-related copyright relations and international
copyright treaties;
-- organize international exchange and cooperation in press, publication
and copyright, administer the import of publications, and promote and
coordinate the import and export of publications; and censor and
approve the content of PC/Console and On-line games.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Cecillia Cao
Tel: +86-10-5165-9355 x12
Email: cecillia_cao@howellexpo.com
