Case Law

Hong Kong
High Court-Court of First Instance

Online Infringement—Protection of Privacy 

On 26 January 2006 the High Court of Hong Kong rendered a judgment in a case regarding the disclosure by Internet service providers (ISPs) of personal data of alleged online copyright infringers. The action brings into focus the very fine and delicate balance that the court needs to strike between the administration of justice and protection of privacy relating to personal data.  The court, applying the Norwich Pharmacal discovery order, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs—seven leading music producers— and ordered the ISPs to disclose the identity of the 22 alleged infringers.

Decision from the High Court, Deputy High Court Judge Poon in Chambers- 26 January 2006 (Excerpts from the decision from the High Court)

Cinepoly Records Co. Ltd . et al, v. Hong Kong Broadband et al., HCMP2487, 2005