In June 2009, the National Assembly adopted amendments to Vietnam’s Criminal Code regarding copyright and related rights offenses. Once the amendments take effect on January 1, 2010, pursuant to Article 170a, anyone who copies or distributes copyright protected works to the public on a commercial scale without the permission of the copyright owner will be subject to a fine of between VND 50 million (USD 2,800) and VND 500 million (USD 27,800) or non-custodial reform for up to two years. Convicted offenders may also be banned from holding certain posts, practicing certain occupations, or doing certain jobs for one to five years.