Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 26) conducted an operation to combat the sale of infringing toys and stationery. A total of about 4 700 suspected infringing toys, stationery items and other products with an estimated market value of about $270,000 were seized.
Customs conducted patrols in various districts earlier and found that suspected infringing toys and stationery were being sold in retail shops and at fixed hawker pitches. After investigation, Customs officers conducted enforcement action yesterday. During the operation, a total of eight retail shops and fixed hawker pitches in Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po were raided and a total of about 4 700 suspected infringing toys, stationery items and other products were seized. A man and six women aged from 35 to 68 were arrested, including two shop owners and five salespersons. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising, since selling infringing goods is a serious crime and offenders will face criminal liability. Customs also appeals to consumers to procure items at reputable shops and to check with trademark owners or copyright owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale infringing items commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 for each infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, October 27, 2017