The Ministry of Information and Communication eliminated an offense subject to complaint policy regarding software piracy. This means that now software pirates can be sued and punished for copying software even if the copyright holder didn't claim a lawsuit. This applies to illegal copies on the portal sites as well. The copyright holder can ask for information to find out who illegally copied his or her portal sites. The MIC announced that such a policy is to protect intellectual property to in anticipation of the Free Trade Agreement between Korea and the US.
According to the Amendment, if illegal copying was found, anyone who caught it could report. Before, only the copyright holder could suit. This is elimination of an offense subject to complaint policy. Also, if the illegal copied programs are worth 1.0 million won (US$1000) within a 6 month period they will be put under criminal punishment. The copyright holder can even ask the online service provider or the portal site runners for the user information if they find out that their intellectual property is being illegally distributed.
But the most effective news is that the MIC extended the protection duration from 50 years after copyright holder's death to 70 years. If it was published by a group, they have a right for 70 years from the date it was published. The amendment, however, is allowing a temporary copy for the following purposes: data transfer from telecommunication companies to telecommunication companies, computer maintenance, and other cases that have to happen when certain programs are used.
