Enforcement and education programmes will be enhanced to combat illegal copyright activities.

Speaking in the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang said the Government will closely monitor the latest market situation in the sale of computer software products as the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 will come into effect on November 28.

Under the ordinance, civil and criminal liabilities pertaining to the parallel importation of and subsequent dealings in articles that have embodied in them a computer program will be removed, except for a few specified types.

Apart from enhanced enforcement and publicity, Mr Tsang said the Customs & Excise Department will maintain close liaison with copyright owners and enhance intelligence gathering to hinder copyright piracy.

"As at the end of September, the department had seized 4.8 million pirated optical discs worth about $103 million, and 949 people had been arrested," Mr Tsang said.

"In the course of enforcement operations, the department maintains close co-operation with copyright owners so that where necessary, the latter can assist Customs officers in distinguishing between infringing and legitimate copies."

Copyright owners provide training to Customs officers to enhance their knowledge of copyright products.

Mr Tsang said public awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights is equally important.

The Intellectual Property Department website has updated its question-and-answer page to explain changes under the Ordinance.

The department and the Business Software Alliance will jointly organise a seminar on software asset management for small and medium enterprises next month.