The proposed copyright law refinements have taken into account views of different stakeholders, Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Mary Chow says. The proposals are expected to be passed by lawmakers in July.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Ms Chow said a new business end-user criminal offence for significant infringements involving copying for distributing or distributing infringing copies of newspaper, magazine, periodical and book works has been proposed. However, it will be limited to regular or frequent infringements only.

Numerical perimeters for the "safe harbour" of the offence within which the infringing acts will not attract criminal liability have also been specified.

Ms Chow said the proposals will be tabled at the Legislative Council next week, hoping the amendments will be passed in July.

On parallel importation of copyright works, Deputy Director of Intellectual Property Peter Cheung said the period during which parallel imports will attract criminal liability will be reduced to nine months from 18 months after public release.

Given the music and film industries' concern that complete liberalisation will enable local businesses such as karaokes, coffee shops and restaurants to parallel import and play or show in public new songs or movies still being promoted or screened in cinemas, it is proposed the relaxation for business end-use will not apply to parallel imported musical sound recordings, musical visual recordings, movies and TV dramas used for public performance purposes. 

More details about the proposals are available here. Views can be sent to co_review@citb.gov.hk.