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First Police Raid Under new Copyright Regime
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 12:00 AM

It was reported that the police have raided an interior design consultancy company for using copyright infringing software. This is the first raid by the police since Singapore's Copyright Act was amended at the beginning of 2005 to make copyright infringement a criminal offence.

The company was also found to have installed pirated software, worth an estimated $50,000, in five desktop computers.

The offence carried a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to $20,000, or both.

The Press Release from the Police states:-

Company Raided For Using Copyright Infringing Software

On 15 September 2005 at about 10.30am, Police raided a company in Fisher Street for using copyright infringing software. A total of 8 desktop computers, 3 laptop computers and 5 copyright infringing (pirated) CD-ROMs were seized for purpose of investigations.

2. Investigations revealed that the company had breached licensing conditions for the use of software. The company had installed the software on more computers than what was permitted in the license agreement. The company was also found to have installed pirated software in 5 desktop computers.

3. Police will continue to work closely with rights owners with regards to copyright infringement. Under Section 136(3A) of the amended Copyright Act, it is a criminal offence for any person who willfully infringes the copyright of another to obtain a commercial advantage, or to a significant extent or both. The offence carries an imprisonment term up to 6 months or fine up to $20,000/- or to both.

4. Deputy Superintendent of Police Tan Kah Khin, Head of the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of Criminal Investigation Department said, ?Under-licensing is a criminal offence under the amended Copyright Act which took effect on 1 January 2005 . The willful use of copyright infringing software in a business environment attracts criminal penalties and incurs severe consequences. Police take a serious view on such acts and will not hesitate to take action against offenders.?

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 September 2005

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