Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation today (September 19) to crack down on an exhibition booth selling suspected infringing jewellery at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). A batch of jewellery bearing suspected false trade descriptions was seized, including 59 pairs of earrings and 29 necklaces valued at about $56,000.
Customs earlier received information concerning the display of suspected infringing jewellery for order at an exhibition booth of a jewellery fair held at the HKCEC. After initial investigation, Customs conducted an operation today and seized a batch of jewellery bearing suspected false trade descriptions displayed as samples at the booth. The 29-year-old woman in charge of the booth was arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
A Customs spokesman said that Customs would continue to take stringent enforcement actions to combat infringing activities and appealed to booth exhibitors to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell infringing goods or goods to which a false trade description was applied.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to supply or possess for sale any goods with false trade descriptions. Upon conviction, offenders shall be liable to a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone with information related to suspected infringing activities may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, September 19 2016
