Newsletter
AMENDMENT TO THE OPTICAL DISK ACT
According to the old Optical Disk Act, if manufacturers of optical disks fail to apply for a license for or inscription of a source identification code (SID), they could be imposed with a fine of NT$1,500,000 up to NT$3,000,000 by the competent authority even if such failure is caused by negligence. Also, the fine could not be reduced or exempted for those manufacturers with a proper license.
The Intellectual Property Office proposed certain amendments to the Optical Disk Act so that if manufacturers fail to inscribe on optical disks a SID due to negligence, but can prove that they have the legal license, the fine will be reduced to one-third of NT$1,500,000 to NT$3,000,000.
In addition, for manufacturers that fail to display the license of manufacture on their premises in a conspicuous manner, the competent authority should demand them to make a correction within 15 days. Any failure to make the correction will trigger a fine of NT$300,000 up to NT$600,000 and a notice of correction within 15 days will be served again. If the manufacturers still fail to make the correction within the deadline, the fine will be imposed consecutively until the manufacturers cease such conduct.
The amendments were adopted by the Legislative Yuan and became effective as of 27 May 2009.