BEIJING — The National Copyright Administration (NCAC) has told music companies to stick to market rules and international practice to widen licensing and spread online music.

Companies must work together to avoid giving exclusive music copyright to online music providers, the NCAC said in a talk with over 20 major music companies from home and abroad on Sept 14.

The administration underlined the laws and international conventions on copyright, warning companies against any infringement.

Music companies must not allow online music providers to bid up licensing prices, and must support the work of copyright organizations to protect the rights of copyright holders, especially lyricists and songwriters.

They should also set up a more effective framework for licensing, cooperation and operation of online music copyright to improve order and for the industry to prosper, the NCAC said.

With the support of music companies in tasks such as preventing copyright infringement, a NCAC campaign started in 2015 to regulate online music copyright has been effective, according to the administration.

However, problems including the unreasonable vying for exclusive copyrights, bidding up licensing prices and using music without permission have emerged, requiring further effort from all parties involved.