Legislative amendments are being formed to improve the Copyright Ordinance, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong says.

In formulating proposals to strengthen Hong Kong's intellectual property regime, the Government has struck the right balance between protecting copyright owners' rights and the legitimate use of copyrighted works by the public.

Opening the Intellectual Property Department Open Day today, Mr Wong said a robust copyright protection regime will enable the economy to benefit from innovation and creativity.

Apart from providing a legal framework for copyright protection, vigorous enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting activities are being taken. The awareness of and respect for copyrights in the community is also being strengthened.

e-Business

Mr Wong said the Intellectual Property Department's e-business model now offers web-based electronic search of the register, electronic filing of and publication for registration applications, and real-time renewal of trademarks and patents and changes of a registrant's names. The use of e-filing for trademark applications has reached 62%.

At today's ceremony, Intellectual Property Society Chairperson Selina Chow presented practising certificates to four Hong Kong residents who have passed the Chinese National Qualification Examination for Patents Agents following the opening up of the Mainland patent agency services under CEPA.