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In response to media requests for comments on the film industry﷿s action to obtain the Court of First Instance order for the disclosure of details of Internet users suspected of illegal copyright infringing activities, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, made the following statement today (May 10):
䩕The Government welcomes the Court﷿s ruling yesterday ordering the disclosure of the identity of those Internet users who are suspected to have infringed on the intellectual property rights (IPR) of the film industry.
䩕This is the second time that copyright owners have obtained court orders to enable them to pursue civil actions against illegal copyright infringing activities on the Internet. The court﷿s decision has sent out a very clear message to infringers that they cannot get away with their Internet piracy activities.
䩕The Government is determined to combat the Internet piracy problem and will continue with the current multi-pronged approach which encompasses enforcement, public education and co-operation with the copyright owners. The Government fully supports rights owners who take civil action against infringers and will complement their efforts through our determined action against criminal infringements. The Customs and Excise Department will closely monitor the situation and take strict enforcement action against any act of criminal infringements on the Internet.
䩕We will continue to work closely with the industry to enhance education and publicity efforts on the protection of IPR.
䩕I urge all Internet users to respect the copyrights of our creative industries. Illegal uploading or downloading activities can be tracked down.
䩕I would also like to appeal to parents to keep an eye on their children to ensure that they do not engage in such activities which can attract civil or even criminal liability.蒅
Ends/Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:34
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