The Copyright (AMENDMENT) BILL 2004 has been passed. From 1st
January 2005, it will be a criminal offence for companies to use
unlicensed software (pirated software)
As part of United States Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA)
Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2004 obligations, Singapore has passed
four Bills on intellectual property law. Recently, the Copyright
(Amendment) Bill 2004, which intended to bring about robust
copyright protection regime has been released for public
consultation.
Base on the Draft Bill, companies in Singapore could face criminal
action that can lead to jail and fines for software non-compliance
in the business environment whether through under-licensing or
using unauthorized or counterfeit software.
Penalties that organizations can anticipated include:
First time
offenders
Fine of up to $20, 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months
Repeat
offenders
Fine of up to $50, 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3
years