Hong Kong film and television circles have expressed their welcome to the world first criminal conviction of a peer-to-peer infringer.
Chan Nai-ming, 38, was arrested on January 12 for illegal distribution of three Hollywood movies on the Internet through BitTorrent file sharing technology.
He was found guilty of three counts of copyright infringement at Tuen Mun Magistracy on Monday.
The Hong Kong film circle believed that the conviction of the infringer may help deter the acts of copyright infringement and promote the sense of copyright among the public.
Super star Jackey Chan said one of the most important things at present is to adopt detailed regulations on punishing the copyright infringers.
Film Director Er Dongsheng said the problem was brought about by the fast development of science and technology. The illegal loading involves not only the films, but also music and other creative industries. This is a challenge that must be encountered.
Crucindo Hung, president of Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong, expressed thanks to Hong Kong Customs and Exercise Department which used "three golden hours" to ferret out the suspect.
He said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has done a good job in intellectual copyright protection since Hong Kong's return to the motherland eight years ago.
Hung said the conviction of the case set a good example for other countries and regions to follow suit, in a bid to crack down on the internet infringements. If the suspect is to be sentenced next month, it will be the best gift from the government to the film sector.
In a separate development, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang has warned the public not to infringe on copyrights, following the first conviction of a peer-to-peer infringer on Monday.
Tsang welcomed the verdict, adding that the posting of copyright materials on BitTorrent in Hong Kong has dropped 80 percent since Chan's arrest. He said the verdict will deter infringers, and called on the public, particularly young people, to respect intellectual property.
(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2005)
