Customs has mounted a series of operations since June and mobilised some 50 officers of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau to conduct raids targeting the sale of infringing goods via Internet auction sites. A total of 22 persons were arrested in 18 cases.
In the operations, Customs officers seized a total of 3,491 suspected infringing goods including handbags, wallets, ornaments, sunglasses, clothes, socks and shoes, as well as 17 computers, worth about $390,000 in total. The 22 arrestees included nine females and 13 males, aged between 19 and 53. They were released on bail pending further investigations.
Speaking at a press briefing today (July 8), the Group Head of Intellectual Property Investigation (Operation), Mr Thomas Lin, said that the deals were mainly made in face-to-face transactions between sellers and buyers or sometimes by post. The suspected counterfeit goods varied from ornaments, watches, clothes and leather goods to toys, sunglasses and World Cup jerseys.
Mr Lin stressed that with the assistance of Internet service providers, Customs could trace the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and even the identities of those involved in such activities.
He reminded members of public, especially youngsters, to respect intellectual property rights and not to get involved in such illegal activities as selling infringing products was a criminal offence and convictions would lead to criminal records.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is a criminal offence for any person who sells or has in his/her possession for the purpose of trade any goods with forged trade marks. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Anyone who comes across any suspected counterfeiting activities can report to Customs by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, July 8, 2010
