Views sought: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang calls on people to give their views on the Copyright Ordinance consultation document.

All views collected will be taken into account by the Government when drawing up proposals to further improve Hong Kong's legislative regime for the protection of copyright, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau today, Mr Tsang called on people to give their views on the Copyright Ordinance consultation document.

"As the relevant policies and regulations carry wide social implications, the Government fully recognises the need to listen to public views as well as the importance of striking a delicate balance between the interests of copyright work owners and those of the community as a whole," he said.

He called on people to send their views and comments to the bureau by February 15.

Creative protection

In response to remarks that the sharing of copyright work on peer-to-peer networks should not be penalised if no commercial interests are involved, Mr Tsang said people's creative efforts need to be protected to maintain an environment where creativity and business can flourish.

"Creativity is an important element in the development of a knowledge-based economy. We will continue to make every effort to combat infringing activities. Any person who engages in infringing activities should be subject to civil or even criminal liability," Mr Tsang said.