Hong Kong Customs took an enforcement action yesterday (September 10) against shops selling circumvention device in cracking game console's protection mechanism. These shops were suspected of selling the latest circumvention device that can break the protection mechanism of game console. By using the circumvention device, users can duplicate legitimate games discs to the hard disk of the game console or to any external hard disk. Through the device, users can also play any pirated games directly from the hard disk of the game console or from any external hard disk.
Customs officers from the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau searched seven game console retailing shops yesterday. Five of them in Shum Shui Po and two of them in Mong Kok. From two shops in Shum Shui Po, Customs officers seized eight pieces of the latest circumvention device, worth about $4,000. During the operation, two shop salesmen, aged 25 and 26, were arrested. They are on bail pending further investigations.
Speaking at a press conference today (September 11), Divisional Commander (Copyright), Mr Michael Kwan, said that about a month ago Customs found that the game console's protection mechanism can be cracked by a latest circumvention program through USB flash drive. On Thursday (September 9), Customs found the device available in the market. Enforcement action was therefore launched. In order to evade Customs detection, the shops did not display the device openly.
In yesterday's operation, Customs officers posing as buyers went to the shops in Shum Shui Po and Mong Kok for the trade. The success of the operation against the sale activities involving circumvention devices was attributed to the full support given by concerned copyright owner.
Mr Kwan reminded shop owners not to take part in these illegal activities, and urged members of public to respect the intellectual copyright and not to buy circumvention device, modified electronic game consoles or pirated electronic games.
According to the section on criminal liability for circumvention of effective technological measures under the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007, a person commits an offence if he makes, imports or exports circumvention devices for sale or hire; sells such devices; or provides circumvention service for business purposes. The maximum penalty is four years' imprisonment and a fine of $500,000.
Copyright owners or the public should report any suspected copyright infringing activities to the Customs and Excise Department by calling its 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, September 11, 2010
