[ossig] M'sia could be violating WTO rules: Paper

[Nan Phin <nplee@tm.net.my>]

By Staff, CNETAsia
Tuesday, July 15 2003 9:59 AM


Could Malaysia be in breach of a World Trade Organization (WTO) rule by going ahead with price controls on software and recordings?

According to the Singapore daily, The Straits Times, the newspaper understands that the U.S. is looking into such a violation of the
trade agreement if it goes ahead with the plan to put software, movie and music discs under the same price controls as rice and
sugar.

The WTO pact makes it clear that no signatory should do anything that would 'unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the
right holder', said the paper.





Original CDs are priced between RM25 (US$7) and US$15, while pirated copies go for about US$2. Original Video CDs are priced at US$12
and copies are sold at US$2.

Both Microsoft and BSA are not in favor of the Malaysia's plan to use price controls to stem piracy. Last month, authorities
announced plans to place software, CDs, DVDs and Video CDs (VCD) under the same price regulations that govern food and essential
items such as oil and rice. By reducing the price of the discs, the government hope the curb the piracy for which the country has
received criticism from copyright protection groups.

Organizations like the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) and BSA will meet with government officials to suggest other
ways to regulate the pricing of their members' products.
--

best wishes.
/nan phin

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.



------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe: send mail to ossig-request@mncc.com.my
with "unsubscribe ossig" in the body of the message