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