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The Hong Kong delegation had called on the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, State Economic and Trade Commission, State Science and Technology Commission, State Planning Commission, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Academy of Science.
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HK's IPR protection refers to in US trade report
The Hong Kong Government notes that a reference has been made to Hong Kong's intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the National Trade Estimates (NTE) Report recently published by the US Trade Representative.
The Report states that Hong Kong's intellectual property laws are among the best in the world.
"We are also pleased to note that due recognition has been given to the recent initiatives taken by the Hong Kong Government in enforcing IPR protection in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the Trade and Industry Branch said today (Tuesday).
"We are, however, disappointed to see some claims have been made about the involvement of Hong Kong businessmen in copyright piracy activities on the mainland. We urge those who made such claims to come forward with substantiating hard evidence.
"Operating within the rule of law, the Hong Kong Customs will pursue every lead with vigour.
"Furthermore, to help tackle cross-border copyright piracy more effectively, the Government introduced a bill into the Legislative Council last October which, when enacted, would make it an offence for any person who procures, aids or abets any person, in Hong Kong or elsewhere, to manufacture outside Hong Kong or import into Hong Kong pirated copyright works.
"The bill has been thoroughly discussed by the relevant Bills Committee of LegCo and is expected to be passed later this month.
"In addition, the Hong Kong Customs will continue to step up co-operation and liaison with the relevant IPR enforcement agencies on the mainland."