Vietnam is among the countries with a high rate of software copyright infringement. Addressing this issue has always been raised in Vietnam’s negotiations for joining the WTO.
We had a discussion with Mr. Christophe Desriac, General Director of Microsoft Vietnam, about Microsoft’s solutions to the problem of software copyright infringement.
As Vietnam prepares to join the WTO, how do you think this will impact the development of Vietnam’s information and communication technology sector? What support can Microsoft offer in this regard?
In my opinion, Vietnam’s accession to the WTO in the near future will have a positive impact on the development of the information and communication technology sector in Vietnam.
Once Vietnam becomes a member of the WTO, investors from other countries will feel more secure about the investment and business environment in Vietnam. One of the sensitive issues regarding WTO accession is the investment methods of multinational companies in the telecommunications services sector and how open this market will be.
However, telecommunications is a crucial foundation for the development of information technology. Therefore, it is necessary to view the WTO accession from a broader perspective regarding its impact on the Vietnamese economy…
During a meeting with Mr. Eduardo, General Director of Microsoft Asia-Pacific, in October 2005, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan also urged Microsoft, as a major American company, to help influence the U.S. government to expedite the negotiation process between Vietnam and the U.S. regarding Vietnam’s accession to the WTO.
What preparations and changes will Microsoft make in terms of strategy and business operations in the Vietnamese market after Vietnam becomes a WTO member?
If Vietnam becomes a WTO member in 2006, it will be a significant event for many multinational companies, including Microsoft.
For Microsoft, the investment strategy in the Vietnamese market will remain unchanged. Microsoft will continue to promote cooperation with the Vietnamese government on several important projects, such as consulting on the implementation of the national strategy for information technology with the Ministry of Information and Communications, officially launching the Education Partnership program with the Ministry of Education and Training, and collaborating with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to equip Vietnamese businesses with information technology.
It is known that Microsoft is in the process of launching a localized version of the Windows operating system. Could you please share how Microsoft plans to release this product in the market? Do you hope this version will resolve the issue of software copyright infringement of Microsoft in Vietnam?
Windows XP Starter Edition is the localized version designed for first-time computer users. This version features a Vietnamese interface and backgrounds that showcase landscapes and designs representative of Vietnamese culture.
Additionally, this version includes a comprehensive help system with tutorials in the form of lessons and videos aimed at helping first-time computer users familiarize themselves with computer operations such as using the keyboard and mouse, along with a detailed guide on computer usage processes, practice exercises, and step-by-step descriptions of how to perform basic tasks.
The Windows XP Starter Edition will be provided to consumers in Vietnam through computer manufacturers and assemblers.
Software copyright infringement and the Starter Edition are two entirely different issues. In cases of software copyright infringement, individuals who have been using computers for a long time might still infringe copyrights, while the Starter Edition is a unique product in the Windows line designed specifically for first-time computer users.
So, in your opinion, what is the ultimate solution to the software copyright infringement issue faced by Microsoft in Vietnam?
I believe that in order to reduce the high rate of software copyright infringement in Vietnam, as statistics indicate compared to other countries, the government needs to establish a robust legal framework for copyright, enhance public awareness about this issue, and impose strict penalties on violators.
The approval of the Intellectual Property Law by the National Assembly of Vietnam is a significant milestone; the challenge lies in how government agencies, businesses, and the public understand and implement the provisions of this law in practice. Enforcing software copyright will also positively impact the development of Vietnam’s software industry.
