Construction of a national-level fast rights protection center has started in Ningjin county, the first of its kind in Shandong province, local officials announced in Beijing earlier this month. The center will focus on the fitness equipment and home furniture industries, offering services in processing patent filings and settling patent disputes. It will also be devoted to creating a comprehensive service platform for intellectual property's protection, management and operation and boosting the upgrade and innovation in the two sectors. Ningjin accounts for some 70 percent of China's gym equipment market. More than 70,000 people work in over 3,000 businesses involved in the two pillar industries in the county. (Source: China intellectual property news)