COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
used, had been successfully stamped out, and no large-scale activity was detected in 2001. It appeared that copyright pirates were turning to smaller scale operations by setting up copying workshops equipped with CD-writers to manufacture pirated discs. The department seized 1 569 CD-writers, valued at $3.95 million, and arrested 97 persons.
Since its establishment in early 2000, the department's Anti-Internet Piracy Team has detected 10 Internet piracy cases, resulting in total seizure of pirated goods and equipment valued at $270,000, and the arrest of 17 persons.
Public Education
During the year, the Intellectual Property Department continued to focus on organising a series of activities to keep up the momentum of public education. Consumers and retailers were encouraged to join the ongoing campaigns, 'I Pledge' and 'No Fakes', respectively to show their commitment to buy, use and sell genuine goods. Different seminars were organised for school principals, teachers, school administrators, librarians, business organisations and civil servants. Information leaflets were published to explain the Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2000. An intellectual property reference kit was produced and distributed to some 2 300 business organisations to help them gain a better understanding of the laws.
The second phase of the 'Inventors' Millennium Vision' Competition was satisfactorily concluded in July. The competition, jointly organised with the Hong Kong Inventors Association and the Summer Youth Programme Committee, served to educate the public to respect inventions and inventors' rights. The department also participated in various exhibitions, including the SME Market Day, Comics Festival, IT Festivals and iDEA Expo 2001.
In 2001, the department continued its visit programme to secondary schools. Visits to 68 schools with a total of 26 540 students were conducted. The production of a web-based interactive teaching kit on intellectual property began in September and was expected to be completed by October 2002.
With the support of the Anti-piracy Alliance, the department produced a television series of 13 short episodes. The series dealt with piracy and counterfeiting activities and focused on how to avoid infringing other's intellectual property rights in everyday situations. Broadcasting of the programme began in December.
A three-day 'Creativity Fair' was held at the Tamar Site in November. It aimed to promote creativity and respect for intellectual property rights. It was preceded by a 'Make a Famous Song New' Contest held in September.
To strengthen ties with international and regional intellectual property organisations, the department co-hosted a workshop with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Hong Kong in December. The workshop facilitated exchange of information and experience on compliance with intellectual property legislation by government organisations in the region. The department will host an APEC Training Seminar and the 14th meeting of the APEC Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group cum Symposium on Traditional Medicine in February and March 2002, respectively.
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