Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation on October 6 to crack down on two bars in Tsuen Wan using karaoke systems loaded with suspected infringing songs and music videos.
Customs earlier received information alleging that there were bars using karaoke systems loaded with suspected infringing songs and music videos. Upon investigation, Customs officers conducted an operation against two bars in Tsuen Wan on October 6. Two karaoke systems loaded with suspected infringing songs and music videos worth about $29,000 were seized. Five women aged 17 to 28 were arrested including the director, managers and waitresses of the bars. The arrested persons were released on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is still ongoing.
The Head of Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of Customs, Ms Yip Wai-sim, today (October 8) stressed that under the Copyright Ordinance, any commercial establishment including companies, bars or karaokes, using infringing computer programmes, movies, TV dramas, musical recordings or music-video recordings in the course of their business would commit a criminal offence and be subject to prosecution. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy. Commercial establishments have the liability to ascertain that the works are not infringing copies before putting them to use.
Ms Yip appealed to proprietors of bars and karaokes to exercise due diligence before making a decision to purchase or hire a karaoke system. Ms Yip also reminded proprietors of bars and karaokes that it was an offence to use infringing songs or movies in the course of their business.
Anyone with information about infringing activities may report to the Customs by the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, October 8, 2016
