Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation codenamed "Cyclone" yesterday (April 26) to combat the sale of suspected infringing toys and children's clothing. A total of about 6 800 pieces of suspected infringing toys, stationery, children's clothing and other suspected infringing goods with a total estimated market value of about $400,000 were seized.
Customs conducted patrols in various districts earlier and found that suspected infringing toys, stationery and children's clothing were being sold in retail shops and fixed hawker pitches.
After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday, in which 11 retail shops and fixed hawker pitches in Chai Wan, Siu Sai Wan, Causeway Bay, Aberdeen, Lam Tin, Jordon, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po were raided. A total of about 6 800 pieces of suspected infringing toys, stationery, children's clothing and other suspected infringing goods with an estimated market value of about $400,000 were seized. Seven men and seven women were arrested, including 10 shop owners and four salespersons aged from 31 to 63.
Investigation is ongoing and all arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
The Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation) of Customs, Ms Peggy Tam, said at a press conference today that Customs has been carrying out stringent enforcement against the sale of infringing goods. Customs will continue to step up patrol and enforcement with the approach of the Labour Day Golden Week in order to suppress activities in connection with the sale of infringing goods.
Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of infringing goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Customs also appeals to consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or the 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 any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per 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 or the dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, April 27, 2018
