HKGCC hails speedy solution by government to reprographics problem

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) welcomes the announcement by Mr Chau Tak Hay, Secretary for Trade and Industry, to suspend the application of the Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance to the printing, broadcasting and electronic media, with the intention to submit shortly a simple amendment bill to the Legislative Council to remedy the inadequacies.

"In the past weeks the business community has been troubled by the prospect of criminal sanctions on such harmless activities such as casual not-for-profit photocopying. We are glad that this threat has now been removed," said Mr Christopher Cheng, HKGCC Deputy Chairman.

Stressing that the Chamber upholds the spirit of the new Ordinance, Mr Cheng remarked that the Ordinance still remains effective in areas of genuine concern over copyright infringement, such as those relating to computer programmes, music or films. "The Chamber reaffirms our support for protection of intellectual property rights, which is essential for a knowledge based economy."

The Chamber is the first organisation to have raised concern over the application of the Ordinance to day-to-day activities such as casual photocopying. In late March it called on the government to study carefully the implementation of the new Ordinance regarding reprographics rights and suspend its implementation until further study. "We are very glad that the government is now heeding the Chamber's advice. Its practical and open minded attitude is indeed the key to resolve the issue. Today's decision will give time for the government and the community to develop practical solutions, with due regard to the principle of fair dealing, so as to strike a balance between free flow of information and copyright protection," added Mr Cheng.

HKGCC pays tribute to the government for responding so quickly and positively. "We applaud Mr Chau Tak Hay for handling this in a most responsible manner. This act indeed shows that the Hong Kong government is responsive and listens to the community. We call on the Legislative Council to support it by passing the appropriate amendment swiftly." said Mr Cheng.

For further information, contact Dr Eden Woon on 2823-1211.