Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (September 6). About 1 400 pieces of suspected infringing lanterns, toys and stationery were seized and 12 persons were arrested.
Customs conducted patrols in various districts of Hong Kong earlier and found that some traders offered for sale suspected infringing products. Customs, with the assistance of the relevant trademark and copyright owners, mounted a strike-and-search operation yesterday. Nine retail outlets and hawker pitches in Sheung Wan, Central, Shum Shui Po, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai were targeted and about 1 400 pieces of suspected infringing lanterns, toys and stationery valued at about $48,000 were seized. Five men and seven women, including five salespersons and seven owners aged from 31 to 67, were arrested. They were put on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.
Group Head (Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations)) of Customs, Mr Guy Fong, said today (September 7) that Customs would continue to take stringent enforcement actions to combat the sale of infringing goods. He appealed to consumers to purchase at shops with good reputations and to check with the copyright or trademark owners or their authorised agencies if authenticity of the product was in doubt. He also reminded traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising, since selling infringing goods is a serious crime and liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale infringing items. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 for each infringing copy.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone with information related to the sale of suspected infringing goods may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, September 7, 2016