Hong Kong Customs has detected a copyright infringement case, the first of its kind, which was using infringing online game servers. During the operation, a 34-year-old man was arrested with seven Internet servers and five computers seized from a residential premises in Tung Chung. The total value of the computer equipment seized is about $77,000.
Customs Divisional Commander (Copyright Investigation), Mr Michael Kwan, said at a press briefing today (June 25) that Customs had earlier received reports from a copyright owner who suspected that infringing online game servers were set up for Internet users.
Following in-depth investigations, officers from Customs Anti-Internet Piracy Team found a website which offered Internet users to download the pirated programme of an online game. Once the programme was downloaded and got started, the computer would be connected to the infringing game servers and the users could play the game after online registration.
Mr Kwan said, "It is believed that the website concerned and infringing game servers have been operating over seven months, with about 30,000 registered members. Its operation is similar to the original game while the only difference is that the infringing online game members are requested to deposit money to a bank account to buy 'points' for 'virtual weapons', and the 'points' are much cheaper than the original."
To evade Customs detection, the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the website was registered in US, while the IP address of servers for storage and distribution were registered in Hong Kong.
After locating the IP address of the servers concerned, Customs raided a residential premise in Tung Chung on June 23 and arrested a man suspected of being connected with the website and the infringing online game servers. A total of 12 Internet servers and computers, worth about $77,000, were seized. The man has been released on $5,000 bail pending investigation.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person, without the licence of the copyright owner of a copyright work, distributes an infringing copy of the work (even not for the purpose of or in the course of any trade or business) to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the copyright owner commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy.
Customs appealed to people to respect intellectual property rights and not to take part in infringing activities by employing advanced technology or through the Internet. Any person taking part in online infringing activities will be subject to criminal liability as well as civil litigation. Customs also appeals to the youngsters to help fight infringement crimes by staying away from online piracy games.
Anyone who comes across any suspected online piracy activities is encouraged to report to Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2009