MPA marks World IP Day in Singapore

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) will launch a new anti-piracy trailer titled "What Are You Really Burning?" at the official website www.mpa-i.org to mark World IP Day.
The Anti-Piracy trailer was previewed to invited guests attending the Singapore Premiere for Iron Man today. Voiced by actress Mindee Ong who acted in 881, the top local film in 2007, the anti-piracy trailer reminds its audience that piracy affects the future of the local film industry. The trailer is scheduled to be screened in theaters across the island in the second half of the year.

The Singapore trailer launch joins four other countries in the region - China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Thailand - with plans for further rollout region-wide later in the year. The trailers were produced in collaboration with the respective local film industries and challenge locals to consider the question “what are you really burning?” before they burn, buy or download pirated films.

World IP Day is an initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has been celebrated annually on April 26 since its inception in 2001. The day is primarily a chance to reflect on the importance of human innovation and celebrate the important role that IP plays in our daily lives.

“Singapore films are taking a growing share of screen time and box office revenue and finding critical acclaim worldwide. In addition, there are more people than ever before working in this industry, from the camera operators to set designers to sound effects engineers to artwork designers,” said Susan Lee, Director of Legislative and Commercial Affairs and Country Manager of the MPA. “We thank the producers of “881” for joining us in this effort. As online and DVD piracy hurts everyone in the movie industry, it is important that the industry as a whole raises IP awareness”.

Liew Woon Yin, Director General from the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore said, "We applaud this initiative by the Motion Picture Association to educate members of the public about the effects of piracy. As we are focusing on internet piracy this year, we definitely see the relevance and believe this trailer would create greater impact, especially on the youths who are considering a career in the film or media industry. Our partnership with MPA provides a well rounded campaign to reinforce the message, “Say No! to Piracy."

The MPA also participated at the “Parents Seminar 2008 on Cyber Dangers: Practise Safe Downloading” organized by the HIP (Honour Intellectual Property) Alliance, an initiative of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) on April 26.

Supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS), the half day public seminar was well attended and the parents were rewarded with many practical tips on how they can protect themselves and their children against various Internet risks and the perils of online piracy. Concurrently, the children learnt about basic IP in a fun-filled programme at the Singapore Science Centre. Through various interactive activities, they were taught how to create their own IP so that they can appreciate and understand the importance of respecting the IP rights of others.