Five More Software Partners Join Licensing Programme To Help Singapore Businesses Prepare For New Copyright Legislation

Singapore, December 9 2004 – The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) today announced that five more software vendors have joined the Software Licensing Programme, bringing to ten the number of partners who are helping Singapore companies prepare for changes to Singapore’s Copyright legislation from January 1, 2005.

M/s Borland, Computer Associates International, Novell Singapore Pte Ltd, Sun Microsystems Pte Ltd and SIACAD (a subsidiary of the Singapore Institute of Architects), are joining pioneer partners Adobe, Autodesk, Macromedia, Microsoft and Symantec.

“We are pleased that more software companies have heeded our call to come forward to help Singapore businesses get ready for our new copyright laws. We are also pleased that SIACAD, a home-grown SME, is joining the Software Licensing Programme as a partner to help other local SMEs,” said Ms. Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS.

“When the new copyright legislation comes into force beginning 2005, companies that willfully and significantly infringe copyright can face criminal prosecution. It is very important that Singapore businesses take action now to ensure that they are prepared when the new legislation takes effect.” she said.

Under the new legislation, software non-compliance in the business environment, whether through under-licensing or use of unauthorised or pirated software, can result in criminal penalties.

The Software Licensing Programme, a pro-business initiative by IPOS and the Intellectual Property (IP) Taskforce, was first launched on October 20, 2004 with five partners.

Now with ten partners on board, this limited-time programme offers Singapore businesses substantial discounts of up to 40 percent on software packages to help them ensure that they have the right software licenses for their needs.

The programme will end on December 31, 2004.

The increased participation in this programme has been applauded by IP Taskforce members Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME)

“Time is running out for businesses to get ready for Singapore’s new copyright legislation. More partners in the Software Licensing Programme means more options for local companies, and this will be a great help to them as they prepare for the new law,” said Mr Patrick Koh, Chief Operating Officer of SiTF.

“Singapore businesses must ensure they use licensed and legal software within their organisation. This is a good move by the government and the software industry to come together to help businesses. We urge all companies to take advantage of this programme now while there is still time,” added Mr Lawrence Leow, President of ASME.

Since last year, IPOS has been actively engaging businesses through the IP Taskforce, public seminars, and industry roundtables ahead of changes to be made to Singapore’s patent, copyright and trademark regimes. In July, IPOS launched a “Say No to Piracy” campaign which comprises both business and consumer elements. The education campaign targeting businesses has started since June last year with a series of intensive Software Asset Management seminars conducted jointly by the IP Taskforce and the Business Software Alliance. IPOS has also launched a series of advertisements to announce the programme. To find out more on the new copyright provisions, businesses can also log on to the new IP law microsite at www.newiplaws.org.sg (please note that the New IP Laws website has been decomissioned as at December 2006).

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Jennifer Chen
Assistant Director
Media and Marketing Communications
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
DID: (65) 6331 6548
Fax: (65) 6331 6562
HP: (65) 9369 1839
Email: Jennifer_CHEN@ipos.gov.sg
Visit us at www.ipos.gov.sg

About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore or IPOS is the lead government agency that formulates and regulates IP laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the greater development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s new economy, IPOS’ vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. Formerly known as the Registry of Trade Marks and Patents, IPOS was established as a statutory board of the Ministry of Law on 1 April 2001.

About the IP Taskforce
Comprising seven leading business associations and five government statutory boards, the Taskforce was established in June 03 to help Singapore businesses prepare for stronger IP laws arising from the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. More information can be found on www.newiplaws.org.sg (please note that the New IP Laws website has been decomissioned as at December 2006).

Members of the IP Taskforce include:

Private Sector:

Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
CommerceNet Singapore
Designers Association of Singapore
Singapore Business Federation
Singapore Institute of Architects
Singapore International Chamber of Commerce
Singapore infocomm Technology Federation

Public Sector:

Singapore Economic Development Board
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
International Enterprise Singapore
Media Development Authority of Singapore
SPRING Singapore