Warning to Users of Copying Devices

This warning applies to copying copyrighted materials by photocopiers, scanners, printers, mobile phones and other devices with copying function.

Legal Restrictions

1. Copying of a work means reproducing the work in any material form. This includes making photocopy of a work as well as reproducing and / or storing the work in any medium by electronic means.
2. For individuals making PERSONAL COPIES, the copying must be:
   1. for their own research or private study; or
   1. for giving or receiving instruction in a course of study provided by the University.
3. If copying is MADE FOR OTHERS, the copying must be:
   1. for research or private study, and the copying must not result in more than one person having copies of substantially the same  material  for  the same  purpose;  or
   1. on behalf of a teacher for giving instruction in a course of study provided by the University.
4. If copying is made ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY, the copying must be:
   1. for the purpose of giving instruction in a course of study provided by the University; or
   1. for  the  purpose of an examination.

Extent of Copying

If copies are for research or private study:

The test is whether the act of copying constitutes fair dealing under the Copyright Ordinance considering all the circumstances of the case and in particular:

(i) the purpose and nature of the dealing, including whether the dealing is for a non-   profit-making or commercial purpose;

(ii) the nature of the work copied;

(iii) the amount and substance copied in relation to the work as a whole; and

(iv)  the effect of the dealing on the potential market for or value of the work.

If copies are for instruction:

The copying must:

1. constitute fair dealing under the Copyright Ordinance by or on behalf of a teacher or by a student for the purposes of giving or receiving instruction in a course of study provided by the University taking into all the circumstances of the case (in particular factors (i) to (iv) above); or
2. be limited to a reasonable extent of an artistic work, or a published literary, dramatic or musical work, if the copying is made on behalf of the University, or if the copying is made by a student receiving instruction in a course of study provided by the University.

If copies are for examination:

The copying must be for the purposes of an examination by way of setting the questions, communicating the questions to candidates or answering the questions. Copying of musical works for performance by examination candidates is strictly prohibited. 

Note: The act of copying should neither conflict with a normal exploitation of a work by the copyright owner nor unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the copyright owner.  Any copies made for any of the above purposes must not be sold, let for hire or offered for sale or hire to others.

Users must comply with copyright law when copying materials. If unlawful copying occurs, the user may be required to indemnify the University for any claims, liabilities, costs, or damages arising from the infringement.

For guidance, please refer to the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) on the Hong Kong e‑Legislation website: https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/ or the Library’s Copyright Guide.

Last updated: 10 March 2026