Singapore Says No to Piracy

SINGAPORE, April 26, 2004 –The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) today launched a "Say No to Piracy" initiative to prepare businesses and consumers for stronger intellectual property (IP) laws expected to be fully in force by the beginning of 2005.

The 'Say No to Piracy' campaign signifies the Singapore Government's determination in dealing with IP piracy activities by changing mindsets through a concerted education effort.

With the impending changes to the Copyright Act, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) is stepping up its efforts to prepare businesses and consumers on the proper use of material protected by copyright as significant and wilful infringement of copyright can lead to criminal prosecution when the new Copyright legislation comes into force.

Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS commented that "Saying No to Piracy" was a logical and necessary way to support the growth of Singapore's knowledge intensive industries.

"By taking a zero tolerance position on piracy and pledging ourselves to a piracy free lifestyle, we are sending a clear message that Singapore is committed to developing a strong knowledge economy where innovation is fostered, protected and commercialised," she said.

IPOS will reach consumers via its HIP Alliance banner through advertising; point of purchase promotion for music, movies and computer games; public education and direct marketing.

The 12-month campaign consists of two major components - one targeted at consumers and the other at businesses.

Ms Liew said there will also be an advertising campaign directed at businesses.

"In May we will launch a programme in conjunction with industry associations to help businesses understand and adjust to the upcoming IP law changes that will come into effect by 2005. Assisting businesses is key focus for our educational efforts this year" she said.

Launching the "Say No to Piracy" campaign today is timed to coincide with the annual World IP Day run by the World Trade Organization's Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization, of which Singapore is a member.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Ms Jennifer Chen
Assistant Director
Media & Marketing Communications
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)
DID: 6331 6548
Fax: 6331 6562
Email: jennifer_chen@ipos.gov.s

About IPOS
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore or IPOS (http://www.ipos.gov.sg) is the lead government agency that formulates and regulates intellectual property (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’s 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 HIP Alliance
"HIP" stands for Honor Intellectual Property. The HIP Alliance is a movement initiated by IPOS with strong support from the private sector, public sector and industry associations. HIP encourages everyone to "Live for REAL" - to adopt a lifestyle that respects and rewards creativity, originality and IP. IPOS urges Singaporeans to honour IP and say no to piracy by supporting legitimate businesses that create legitimate products and services.

Earlier this year, HIP Alliance launched a video on Intellectual Property. Known as "Real Choices", it is a Play and Learn video project targeting the secondary schools in Singapore.

Elaborating the project, Ms Liew said that "Play and Learn" started as a skit which piloted in some 20 Secondary schools. We had encouraging feedback from both students and teachers. Going forward, we have produced an interactive video based on that skit for roll out to the rest of the secondary schools in Singapore. We firmly believe that the video will become an important tool to facilitate the Civics and Moral Education (Secondary) syllabus covering Intellectual Property issues." Besides producing the interactive video, IPOS has also conducted a workshop for the school teachers to facilitate them in dealing with this subject.