The Government has been urged to suspend controls on parallel imports of computer software under the controversial copyright law.
Lawmakers say it would relieve the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises that have had problems getting software from authorised agents.
Under the ordinance, parallel imports of goods such as videos, music CDs or magazines are restricted. Only after an 18-month period can they be used legally by firms. Parallel imports are legitimate goods brought in by someone other than the appointed agent.
In a Legco subcommittee meeting on the Copyright (Suspension of Amendments) Bill yesterday, officials said nearly half of the small and medium-sized enterprises had been using either pirated or parallel-imported computer software.
The suspension bill aims to disable some parts of the Copyright (Amendments) Ordinance, enacted last month, which has stirred dissent by making it illegal to photocopy newspaper articles without permission. It does not include parallel import matters.
Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Industry Kenneth Mak Ching-yu said firms could get copies much cheaper in Taiwan and Singapore. He promised the Government would 'actively' study ways to reduce such restrictions.