The promotion song for the Shanghai World Expo has been banned after becoming embroiled in a copyright row, according to a spokesman for the coordination bureau.

The Bureau of the Shanghai World Expo, which is responsible for the preparation and organization for 2010 event, released a song marking the 30-day countdown on April 1.

The song, "Right Here Waiting for You 2010", is allegedly plagiarized from a Japanese song "With You as It Is", according to media reports.

The song was voted as an outstanding Expo song in 2004 after public consultation and was selected as the promotion song for the 30-day countdown.

"‘Right Here Waiting for You 2010' is not the theme song of the Expo 2010," noted the spokesman, adding that the bureau has carried out investigations into this case.

The melody and lyrics writers had signed a deal with the Expo bureau vowing the song is original and does not violate any third party's rights.

"Therefore the song writers will be held responsible if the allegation is proven," said Huang Jianzhi, deputy director of the bureau.