Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation yesterday (July 26) to combat shops and fixed hawker pitches selling suspected counterfeit pseudo-vintage watches and clocks. A total of 244 suspected counterfeit pseudo-vintage watches and clocks were seized.
Customs received information earlier concerning the sale of suspected counterfeit pseudo-vintage watches and clocks by antique shops and fixed hawker pitches in the market. Upon in-depth investigation, Customs conducted enforcement actions and raided five shops and two fixed hawker pitches in Sheung Wan yesterday. A total of 244 suspected counterfeit pseudo-vintage watches and clocks with a total value of about $40,000 were seized in the operation. Five men and three women, comprising seven shop owners and a salesperson aged between 26 and 63, were arrested. The arrested persons were released on bail pending further investigation. This was the first-ever operation against the sale of suspected counterfeit pseudo-vintage watches and clocks.
The Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations) Group, Mr Guy Fong, said that Customs will keep close contact with trademark owners and take stringent enforcement actions against the sale of counterfeit goods. He appealed to traders to respect intellectual property rights as selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with a forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders shall be liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000. Traders must be cautious and prudent in merchandising and must check with the trademark owners or their authorised agencies if authenticity of a product is in doubt. Mr Fong also reminded consumers to respect intellectual property rights and not to purchase counterfeit goods.
Anyone with information related to the sale of suspected infringing goods may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, July 27, 2016
