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In order to promote respect of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and the World Intellectual Property Day, set on April 26 annually, the Intellectual Property Department and the Hong Kong Scout Association (HKSA) today (April 23) held the "Respect for Intellectual Property Rights Fun Fair" at Kowloon Park Piazza.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fun fair, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr Stephen Selby, said the cooperation with HKSA was a new initiative. Over 60 scout members have participated in various kinds of intellectual property seminars, workshops and visits since the "Scout Programme on Respect for Intellectual Property Rights" launched in April 2005. Mr Selby congratulated the 23 scout leaders who were the first group of qualified Scout "Respect for Intellectual Property Rights" Instructors, and encouraged them to fulfil the mission of promoting respect for IPRs to other Scout members.
The fun fair is also one of the activities to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day. Its theme this year is "It starts with an idea". Countries around the world will devote themselves to protecting IPRs to fulfil their promise of promoting creativity and innovation.
Ideas are unique, and creative work takes tremendous time and effort. Creativity will disappear if we continue to plagiarise and "steal" the creative works of others. The public must stop any illegal uploading or downloading of music, movies or other copyright works from the Internet," Mr Selby said.
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Society, Mrs Selina Chow; Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs & Excise Department, Mr Tam Yiu Keung; and Director of Operations, Greater China of Motion Picture Association, Mr Sam Ho.
Local entertainers Ste Wong, Alex Fong, Justin Lo, Jade Kwan, Wilfred Lau, Ella Koon, Charles Ying, Shine and Ryan Hui also participated and performed in the event to help promote awareness of IPRs protection. Apart from the singing performances, an Intellectual Property Game Competition was held in which 10 scout teams were competing for the "Best Intellectual Property Game Booth Design". In addition to this, local designer, Pacino Wan and director, Cheang Pou-soi, were invited to share their experiences in creativity, and encourage the development of local creativity.
IPD and HKSA jointly launched the "Scout Programme on Respect for Intellectual Property Rights" on April 30, 2005. The co-organisers were Customs & Excise Department, Motion Picture Association and the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Society. The programme included a series of seminars, workshops and visits.
Ends/Sunday, April 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:01
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