Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 4) conducted an operation to combat the online sale of copyright infringing children's learning cards. During the operation, one person was arrested and a mobile phone suspected to be involved in the case was seized.
Customs earlier received a complaint from a copyright owner alleging that suspected infringing children's learning cards were put on sale through an online platform. After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers found that a seller solicited the business via an online marketplace. Upon receiving an order, the seller would ask the buyer to transfer money to a designated electronic payment account. After that, a hyperlink for downloading the suspected infringing children's learning cards would be sent to the buyer via email.
With the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided a domestic premises in Tsuen Wan. A 42-year-old woman suspected to be involved in the case was arrested and a mobile phone suspected to be connected with the case was seized. The woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs appeals to the public to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell infringing articles.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, without the licence of the copyright owner, any person who sells or possesses for sale any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a term of imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2024