VZCZCXYZ0009
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBD #0204 2400206
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 280206Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4628
INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 2073

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000204 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PASS FOR EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG, EEB/TPP/IPE/URBANJ 
STATE PASS USTR/EHLERSK 
STATE PASS FOR USPTO 
BANGKOK FOR FCS/NESSJ 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KIPR ETRD ECON EINV USTR BX
 
SUBJECT: WIPING OUT MUSIC PIRACY IN BRUNEI 
 
SUMMARY 
-------- 
¶1. (SBU) Following in the footsteps of Microsoft, Recording Industry 
Malaysia (RIM) recently announced their permanent presence in 
Brunei. They addressed the lack of right holder's physical presence 
often cited by the Government of Brunei (GOB) as a deterrent in 
their efforts to put an end to rampant optical media piracy in 
Brunei.  Following months of negotiations and cooperation with the 
Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and the Royal Brunei Police Force, 
RIM held a press conference where they announced their presence and 
intention; to eradicate up to 90% of music piracy in Brunei in the 
next 3 months, with the support of the two GOB agencies.  End 
Summary 
 
RIM BLAZES INTO BRUNEI 
---------------------- 
¶2. (SBU) During the press conference, RIM's NK Tan informed the 
media, RIM is here to stay.  Their permanent officers will visit 
music pirate outlets and lodge police reports every day for 
infringed goods.  Tan stated despite written notifications of 
infringement to vendors in November 2008, only 10% of the vendors 
had complied six months later.  Tan stated RIM's permanent presence 
is an indication of their commitment to fight music piracy together 
with the GOB.  Tan stated RIM identified several foreign (and one 
local) syndicates operating illegal copying businesses.  Information 
on the pirates was then handed over via sealed envelope marked 
'Brunei Pirates' to a representative of the AGC.  Press reporters 
were later led to a nearby store by Tan to highlight the extent of 
music piracy in the country.  A raid was also carried out by the 
Police and details are forthcoming from the appropriate Police 
officials. 
 
COMMENT 
--------- 
¶3. (SBU) The press conference was well covered by all media present 
including national news on radio and television.  Subsequent public 
opinions published in the papers indicated most would buy original 
products 'if it's worth it.'  A local entertainer supported the 
move, recognizing the importance of IPR for local performers.  The 
online community posted mixed reactions.  Less than half of bloggers 
supported original products, whereas others see the presence of RIM 
as interference in Brunei by a Malaysian organization.  Comments 
were also made on whether the pirated goods would resurface after 
this publicity blitz.  (Note: In the past, shelves of pirated CDs 
were cleared in advance of raids due to information leakages, only 
to reappear a few days later. End note) Post Commercial Assistant 
and other Embassy Staff noted pirated music CDs were absent in 
several stores in the vicinity of the capital within hours of the 
press conference.  Several days later, the same stores did not have 
new original music CDs on sale, indicating they are possibly 
adopting a wait and see attitude, apparently unwilling to purchase 
products from RIM.  Vendors appeared reluctant to work with RIM due 
to pricing, perceiving RIM's comeback as their chance to recover 
lost revenue from Brunei in the past decade. 
 
TODD