Chamber Develops Code of Ethics on IPR Protection

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce has developed a code of ethics on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection which aims at promoting respect of IPR among the community by laying out broad guidelines for businesses to apply in their operations.

More than 160 Chamber member companies have subscribed to the code voluntarily including all 25 companies of the General Committee. More are signing up everyday. By signing on the code businesses are making a statement that they endorse the importance of protecting IPR and are committed to playing their part.

The code covers five main areas: computer software, equipment and products, photocopying, dealing with fakes and community responsibility. While the code is intended for businesses which generally operate in an office setting, other sectors with more specific operational requirements can tailor-make the code to suit their circumstances.

"To maintain its status as a first-class international centre for business, it is important for Hong Kong not only to respect IPR but also to develop a reputation of doing so. This cannot be achieved without the endorsement and cooperation of the business sector," Dr Eden Woon, Director of the Chamber, said.

"We are pleased to see significant improvement in IPR violations in Hong Kong over the past year but there is still more to be done. The code is to remind companies that they have a community responsibility to protect IPR to the benefits of both themselves and the community," Dr Woon said.

According to the code, companies should only use legal software and they should make the best endeavour to ensure that all their software is legally procured. Their employees should be fully aware of the code and should not bring illegal software to the workplace.

For equipment and products, companies should ensure that the trademarks of legitimate products are not being infringed upon. Photocopying can be done only on a as needed basis and the principle of reasonableness should be observed.

Company management should not allow counterfeit or pirated products to be used in the course of the company's operation, and companies should use other people's copyrighted works or trademarks with prior permission.

Besides developing the code of ethics, the Chamber is also active in other IPR protection activities. It is a joint organiser of the "No Fakes Campaign" alongside with Intellectual Property Department, and participates in the Genuine Software Campaign organised by the Customs and Excise Department. A seminar on the subject will also be held on July 26.

For a copy of the IPR protection code of ethics and enquiries, please contact Dr W K Chan, Assistant Director of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce at 2823 1294.