BEIJING -- Chinese police have uncovered 676 cases of intellectual property rights (IPR) violations and arrested 1,586 suspects in November, a spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.

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During that month, the ministry launched a five-month-long operation to crack down on criminal activities including printing, photocopying or pirating of publications, CDs, software, unauthorized using of registered trademarks and counterfeiting well-known brands.

The 676 cases of IPR infringements involve 835 million yuan (about US$125 million),the spokesman said in a news briefing.

Suspects had allegedly violated IPRs of many Chinese and foreign companies, including China's 'national liquor' producer Moutai, computer manufacturer Lenovo, American sportsware company Nike and French fashion-wear giant Louis Vuitton, according to the ministry.

"As New Year's day and the Spring Festival approach, more efforts will be made to press ahead with the campaign to safeguard market order and the interests of the public," a spokesman with the ministry said at the briefing.