PUBLIC ORDER
Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Protection
The department is responsible for protecting the copyright of literary, dramatic, musical and other forms of intellectual works.
As the result of sustained enforcement action, the problem of computer software piracy was restrained. The once-flourishing outlets for pirated computer software and manuals in Sham Shui Po were nearly all closed down. Other forms of copyright infringement remained inactive throughout the year and the problem of syndicated video piracy was brought under control.
Successful progress was made in the suppression of dealing in counterfeit goods, particularly watches, ginseng and cigarettes. The goods seized amounted to a value of $120 million. Twenty-two counterfeit watch factories were neutralised, forcing counterfeiters to operate in domestic premises or to shift their production centres overseas.
The department assumed the responsibility for enforcing the Copyright (Taiwan) Order 1990 which became law on August 1. The order provides for the copyright protection in Hong Kong of works originating in Taiwan.
Customs Co-operation Council
The Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) of which Hong Kong is a member, was established to improve and harmonise international customs operations and facilitate international trade.
The department has assisted the CCC to run a regional liaison office established in Hong Kong since December 1987. This is a central body, primarily for the co-ordination and dissemination of customs intelligence on drug-related matters within the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific region.
Recognising the department's experience in running the regional liaison office, the CCC invited an officer during the year to assist in the establishment of similar regional liaison offices in the Caribbean and Africa.
Endangered Species
Hong Kong is fully committed to the protection of the elephant. An amendment to the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) (Exemption) Order was gazetted on July 17 to conform to the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The import and export of ivory items are now subject to licensing control. The department works closely with the Agriculture and Fisheries Department to enforce the licensing requirements and investigate offences in connection with the import and export of ivory.
Police Complaints Committee
The main function of the Police Complaints Committee is to monitor and review investigation by the Complaints Against the Police Office (CAPO) of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force of complaints made against the police by the public. Set up in 1986 to replace the former UMELCO Police Group, the committee is an independent body appointed by the Governor. The chairman and two vice-chairmen are drawn from the Office of Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils (OMELCO). Committee members include eight Justices of the Peace, the Attorney General or his representative and the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints.
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