Hong Kong Customs conducted a three-day operation codenamed "Green Shield" between August 14 and yesterday (August 16) to combat the sale of suspected infringing goods for children in various districts and on online platforms. A total of about 7 200 pieces of suspected infringing children's clothing, shoes, bags and other goods with a total estimated market value of about $190,000 were seized.
During the summer holiday, Customs conducted patrols in various districts and online platforms. Suspected infringing children's products were sold at retail shops and fixed hawker pitches as well as on the Internet.
After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark and copyright owners, Customs officers raided 14 retail shops and fixed hawker pitches in North Point, Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei, Fanling and Yuen Long for three days started from August 14. Enforcement action were also taken on online platforms. A total of about 7 200 pieces of suspected infringing children's clothing, shoes, bags and other suspected infringing goods with a total estimated market value of about $190,000 were seized.
During the operation, three men and 15 women aged between 23 and 70 were arrested, including 11 shop owners, six salespersons and an online seller.
Customs will continue to step up patrols and combat sales of infringing goods in various districts and on the Internet.
Customs 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.
Customs also 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.
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, August 17, 2018
