An agreement has been signed by 13 top Chinese TV makers to form an intellectual property alliance to handle digital TV patents. This alliance, lead by the China Video Industry Association and supported by China's Ministry of Information Industry, is envisaged to help Chinese makers devise digital TV and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) standards and technology as well as create their own patent pool, thereby reducing royalty fees paid to foreign companies and facilitating cross-licensing affairs. Members of this alliance include TCL, Konka, Skyworth, Xoceco, Haier, SVA, Panda, Westlake, Malata, Amoi, Changhong, Hisense, and Shinco.