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The Legal System
aid, are eligible. The scheme covers litigants who commence or are parties to civil legal proceedings in the Lands Tribunal, Family Court, District Court or courts at levels above.
Director of Intellectual Property
The office of the Director of Intellectual Property, established under the Director of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance, runs the Intellectual Property Department, which operates four registries on trade marks, patents, designs and copyright licensing bodies. With regard to intellectual property, the department makes recommendations on policy and legislation, provides civil legal advice to the government, and promotes public awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights. It also facilitates and promotes Hong Kong's development as an intellectual property trading hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Equal Opportunities Commission
The Equal Opportunities Commission is an independent statutory body that implements anti- discrimination legislation. There are four anti-discrimination ordinances: the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, Disability Discrimination Ordinance, Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and Race Discrimination Ordinance. The commission's functions include working towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, family status and race, and towards the elimination of sexual harassment, and harassment and vilification on the grounds of disability and race.
In 2020, the commission received 4,748 enquiries and 1,131 complaints relating to the four ordinances. A total of 114 complaint cases were conciliated successfully.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data is an independent statutory body established under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance to monitor, supervise and promote compliance with the ordinance.
In 2020, the office received 4,862 complaints, 20,531 enquiries and 42 matching procedure consent applications. It also conducted 345 compliance actions and published nine guidance
notes.
The office organised 277 talks, seminars, workshops and meetings with stakeholders to promote public and industry knowledge and understanding of personal data privacy, including 28 professional workshops for data users.
Websites
Administration Wing, Chief Secretary for Administration's Office: www.admwing.gov.hk Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau: www.cmab.gov.hk
Department of Justice: www.doj.gov.hk
Equal Opportunities Commission: www.eoc.org.hk
Hong Kong e-Legislation: www.elegislation.gov.hk
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