WTO Ruling Could Help Open Lucrative Chinese Media Market

Last week, the WTO released details of a ruling in favour of the United States in a decision that US media companies should not have to go through Chinese state-owned companies in order to access the Chinese market place.

Behind the scenes are many smaller rulings supporting record labels, digital music companies, and movie studios. This ruling also fuels speculation that Apple will launch a Chinese iTunes.

Meanwhile, digital music giant The Orchard has announced a deal with Chinese company ZTEMT to bring music to Chinese wireless users. They are one of many companies trying to exploit China’s massive market of 388 million internet and mobile internet users.

The Chinese government, as expected, has moved to appeal the ruling.