What is the background of the amendments to the Copyright Ordinance?
The public had generally expressed the view that the restrictions on parallel importation of computer software should be removed. They believe that allowing parallel importation of computer software would increase competition and availability of products in the market, resulting in more choice and lower prices for consumers. To implement the proposed liberalization, the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 (amendment Ordinance) was passed in July 2003. The amendment Ordinance took effect from 28 November 2003.After the coming into effect of the amendment Ordinance, the restriction on parallel importation no longer applies to products which contain a computer program ( commonly known as computer software products). However, if the principal attraction of a computer software product is musical sound or visual recordings, movies, television dramas, e-books, or a combination of them, the restriction continues to apply.
