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According to Sect 71 of the Copyright Ordinance of Hong Kong, it is not a copyright infringement to make graphic representations, take photographs, or broadcast the images of buildings, sculptures, models for buildings and works of artistic craftsmanship, if the object is permanently situated in a public place or in premises open to the public. Because Hong Kong was a territory of the United Kingdom until 1997, Hong Kong law is modelled on UK law, and in the absence of any specific case law to the contrary it is reasonable to assume that the rules will be similar.
Similar to the UK law, 'works of artistic craftsmanship' is defined separately from 'graphic work'. The latter includes any painting, drawing, diagram, map, chart or plan, and any engraving, etching, lithograph, woodcut or similar work. Therefore freedom given in Sect 71 does not apply to posters or maps in public places.
Cap 528 Sect 71, Copyright Ordinance (in traditional Chinese)- Definition of 'graphic work' (in traditional Chinese)
