HKIPD disburses 5 million dollars to aid SMEs in using licensed software

In a bid to strengthen institutional awareness on the newly passed “2007 Copyright (Amendment) Bill”, the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department launched the “Software Asset Management Counseling Program” to assist institutions in establishing software assets mechanisms.  Recently, the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Business Software Alliance unveiled the program.  Director of Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (HKIPD) Stephen Selby confirms his department's proposed spending of HK$ 5,000,000 to sponsor the program. 

        Stephen Selby added that the program aims to assist institutions, especially the SMEs, in establishing management software asset, enhancing the security of computer system and network and avoid the use of pirated software.  The program will also enable these enterprises to choose suitable software to reduce costs and enhance productivity. From this month to next April, related departments plan to contract with 50,000 institutions, especially the SMEs, to promote the use of licensed software and provide free door-to-door consultation and education services. (by Tian Ming)

香港500万元助中小企业防盗版

本报讯　为了使企业和公众更好地了解刚修订的香港《２００７年版权（修订）条例》，近日，香港知识产权署联合商界团体举行的“商业软件‘正’行动”之“软件资产管理咨询计划”正式启动。香港知识产权署署长谢肃方表示，该署计划动用超过５００万元来资助此次活动。

    谢肃方说，此次计划旨在协助机构，特别是中小企业，协助其建立管理软件资产，加强计算机系统和网络的保安，防止误用盗版软件，并可协助企业挑选合适的软件，以达到节省成本，提高生产力的目的。据介绍，该计划将延续至明年４月，与５万家机构建立联系，特别是向中小企业推广使用正版软件，免费上门进行顾问服务和教育工作。

（田 鸣）