TIPO Director Wang Mei-hua's Copyright Amendment Sparking Outrage: Playing Music in Parks Risking Fines and Criminal Charges

Around April 20, 2016, Wang Mei-hua, Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (wife of DPP Legislator Ku Li-hsiung), faced overwhelming public backlash for pushing a highly restrictive amendment to the Copyright Act. The draft bill proposed that citizens playing unauthorized music for public dancing, morning exercises, or tai chi in public spaces, such as parks and community centers, would be deemed copyright infringers, facing potential criminal prosecution and astronomical fines. As details of the proposal emerged, it triggered widespread panic and fury among community organizations and the elderly across the Republic of China. Citizens slammed TIPO for 'competing for profits with ordinary people,' mockingly protesting that 'dancing in the park has become a criminal offense.' Facing a massive wave of grassroots anger and fierce legislative questioning, Wang and TIPO initially defended the amendment as a necessary step to align with international standards. However, under unrelenting public pressure, they were ultimately forced to back down, agreeing to exempt non-profit public activities from criminal liability and heavy penalties. This scandal became another major policy stain on Wang's career, following her 2013 internet censorship controversy.