What is the Law? The relevant law in Hong Kong is the Copyright Ordinance, which was enacted on 27 June 1997 and prohibits the unauthorised copying and use of computer programs. The Ordinance strongly protects the copyright of software programs, manuals and related books as literary works. In addition, the Ordinance creates penalties for unauthorised use and duplication of software. The Ordinance has international effect as Hong Kong is a member of the Berne and Universal Copyright Conventions, further strengthening its commitments to copyright protection.