IP for Retailers – Know the Law and Protect Your Business

Singapore, 14 January 2005 – A hundred or so retailers in Singapore have come together today, to attend the first of its kind event - The Intellectual Property Seminar for Retailers 2005.

Spearheaded by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), working in conjunction with major Intellectual Property (IP) associations, the seminar was to educate local retailers the new copyright legislations and how these changes might impact their business. Not only were retailers reminded about the do’s and don’ts of conducting business in the new copyright environment, their immediate concerns were also addressed by the relevant IP associations.

Experts from the IP associations discussed at length IP topics such as copyright issues in the publishing industry, the ways of identifying pirated music and movie products, the management of visual and sound recording rights for businesses, the practical aspects of anti-circumvention, as well as the new copyright regulations for Singapore.

With effect from 1st January 2005, Singapore should take note that any copyright infringement that is willful and significant or conducted for commercial advantage will face criminal charges. Retailers were informed that it remains a criminal offence to sell or distribute; make or manufacture for sale; and or import for sale. In addition, game retailers were also kept aware of the new Technological Protection Measures legislation. This new legislation provides copyright owner the right to institute civil actions or criminal charges against anyone who manufactures or trades in circumvention devices, or offers services related to the circumvention of a technological measure. First offenders may be fined $20,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.

Assistant Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), Mr Wong Sheng Kwai commented that

“A stronger IP enforcement framework will encourage more IP owners and creators to bring new products and innovations to market in Singapore. Playing the role of the middlemen, retailers will benefit from the increase in business activity.”

Mr Wong further added that retailers have an important role to play in support of the implementation of the new laws,

“As the interface with the consumers, you can help to educate them and stress the importance of supporting original products and legitimate business, thereby creating a win-win situation for you and your industry.”

IP Associations welcomed the idea of holding seminars of this nature because they provide opportunities for interaction with local retailers and fellow members of other IP associations. Mr Cyril Chua, Entertainment Software Alliance commented,

“With seminars like this, information can be disseminated swiftly and to a wide audience instantaneously. It reflects that the Singapore Government is proactive and sincere in engaging the retailers, to help them prepare for the new copyright regime.”

The Intellectual Property Seminar for Retailers 2005 marked the beginning of a series of educational engagements and seminars on the new copyright laws for the year 2005. IPOS has set out an intensive plan to reach out to the businesses, IP professionals and public servants over the next three months to create awareness on the new Copyright regime.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Hilary Ng
PR Coordinator
WHM Public Relations Pte Ltd
DID: +65 6325 1781
Fax: +65 6227 2696
Email: hng@whm-pr.com

Ms Melanie Koh
Senior Executive
Media and Marketing Communications
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
DID: +65 6331 6574
Mobile: +65 97961015
Fax: +65 6331 6562
Email: Melanie_KOH@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 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’ 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. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg.

About AAP
AAP's mandate covers both the general and the specific — broad issues important to all publishers as well as issues of specific concern to particular segments of the industry. The Association's “core” programmes deal with matters of general interest: intellectual property; new technology and telecommunications issues of concern to publishers; First Amendment rights, censorship and libel; international freedom to publish; funding for education and libraries; postal rates and regulations; tax and trade policy. Directed by standing committees of the Association, these programs, along with a host of membership services including government affairs, a broad-based statistical program, public information and press relations, are the "core" activities of the Association.

About ESA
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is the U.S. association exclusively dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies that publish video and computer games for video game consoles, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9 billion in entertainment software sold in the U.S. in 2002, and billions more in export sales of U.S.-made entertainment software.The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.

About MPA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Universal City Studios LLLP, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

About RIAS
The Recording Industry Association (Singapore) or RIAS was formed in 1976 as Singapore Phonogram & Videogram Association with the objective of fostering and maintaining trade ethics and fair business practices within members of the industry and to serve as the industry's voice both locally and internationally. We continually seek to:

Advance the interests of the industry, by the promotion and protection of the rights of its members and through ensuring the existence of a business and legal environment in Singapore that can support a viable and vibrant recording industry;
Provide support and assistance to the government in its fight againstpiracy and
Serve the business community and the general public who wish to use theintellectual property of our members.

Our members include EMI Music, Music Street, Ocean Butterflies Music, Rock Records, Sony BMG Music, Universal Music, Warner Music and so on.