Economic boost

In his Government Work Report, Premier Wen said other major tasks for this year are to encourage more consumer spending on fitness and lift the importance of the sports industry to new heights.

"Sport can be profitable for the country," said Wang, the retired deputy sports minister. "In developed powerhouses, the sports industry is closely tied to economic development.

"It not only accelerates the development of professional leagues, but also becomes an important boost for the economy," he added.

The image of China's domestic sports brands has been dented recently by a lawsuit filed by US basketball legend Michael Jordan against Qiaodan, a sportswear manufacturer in Jinjiang, Fujian province.

Jordan says Qiaodan has built its business around the Chinese translation of his name without his permission. The company denies the accusation and says that the Qiaodan trademark is legally registered in China and protected by Chinese law.

Wang said such disputes are "normal" at this stage of the country's sports brand development. "At the beginning, companies are not familiar with international rules," he said. "Yet, as the industry develops, it will gradually get on the right track.

"China already has successful brands, such as Li-Ning and Anta. Domestic brands should develop their own technologies and products," Wang added.

Sports entrepreneurs also concede that the only way for China to build its image as a sports powerhouse is for companies to create their own products protected under intellectual property rights.

"I didn't feel good when I heard about Jordan's lawsuit against Qiaodan," said Gan Lianfang, president of Beijing Xingpai Group, a major manufacturer of snooker products. "Although the registration of Qiaodan might be legal in China, it still looks like a shortcut.

"China's brands should go international by creating unique products," he added.

Contact the writer at leilei@chinadaily.com.cn.