1. A Study into the Problem of Software Piracy in Hong Kong and China Kenneth Ho 1995 Presented by Lim, Tang Kok

2. Outline of article  Copyright laws in Hong Kong and China  Factors affecting software piracy in Hong Kong and China  The problems in enforcement of copyright laws  Fighting software piracy in Hong Kong and China

3. Outline of presentation  Background  Factors: –The Chinese culture –Public awareness –Education –Government policies –Demand for counterfeit software  Conclusion

4. Background  Software piracy – “the illegal reproduction of copyrighted computer software, whether for commercial or personal purposes”. Kenneth Ho  In China, piracy rate was estimated to be more than 90% in 1994.  In Hong Kong, piracy rate was about 62%. Most of the pirated software came from China.

5. The Chinese culture  Confucianism has strong emphasis on learning by copying.  Confucianism and Communism has a notion of sharing creative works and ideas.  Benefits for the society are emphasized over individual freedom and benefits.

6. Public awareness  Size of China and a population of 1.2 billion.  Law of copyright only announced in the 1990’s.  Misconception of true negative effects of software piracy.

7. Education  Chinese education system was based upon rote learning.  Hong Kong education system is based upon force-fed environment.  These education systems obstruct original thinking.  Consequently, low level of originality and leads to “copying” activities.

8. Government policies  “Support” of Chinese government?  Maintains layers of testing and licensing procedures designed for protection purposes.  In Hong Kong, smuggled counterfeit software is controlled by local gangs.

9. Demand for counterfeit computer software  Wide accessibility of counterfeit computer software e.g. Golden Arcade.  Counterfeit computer software are being sold at extremely low prices.  There is huge foreign demand in conjunction to local demand.  Wide-range variety of software available.

10. Conclusion  The cause of software piracy is a mix of a number of different factors. A multi- disciplinary approach is needed to curb the problem.  Cultural and social differences must take into account for any policy to be effective.

11. Question  Which factor(s) is the universal factor of software piracy?