ENG-1998 — Page 164

116

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

The Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau was reinforced during the year with an additional 48 officers. Specific enforcement efforts were directed at the manufacture and retailing of pirated optical discs. Large-scale operations were carried out at black spot retail outlets and at optical discs factories involved in piracy. As a result, 68 optical discs manufacturing machines worth $454 million and 38.9 million copies of pirated discs worth $960.1 million were seized. 1 610 persons were arrested. Counterfeit and falsely labelled goods valued at $127.7 million were seized and 1 137 persons prosecuted under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

World Customs Organisation

Hong Kong continues to be an active member of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and participates in many of its activities. The WCO's aims are to facilitate trade by achieving harmony and uniformity in customs procedures world-wide.

During the 91st/92nd WCO Council Sessions held in Morocco in June, Hong Kong was elected for the first time as a member of the Policy Commission of the WCO for a period of two years.

The WCO's Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the Asia/Pacific Region has been based in Hong Kong for 11 years, with the department responsible for its smooth operation. The department will hand over the responsibility to the Japanese Customs Administration when the RILO is relocated to Tokyo in early 1999 as part of a rotation programme.

Trade in Endangered Species

Imports, exports and possession of endangered species are regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Licensing policy follows the CITES principles closely. Commercial imports and exports of highly endangered species are prohibited, and trade in less-endangered species is subject to licensing requirements.

The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, and enforced by the department and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at entry points, markets, shops and restaurants. All suspected offences are investigated and prosecutions are instituted if there is evidence of a breach. The ordinance provides for penalties up to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.

Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property Department runs the Trade Marks, Patents and Designs Registries and provides advice on intellectual property legislation matters to client government departments.

Trade Marks

Established in 1873, the Trade Marks Registry is a registry of original registration. Trade marks are registered in respect of both goods and services. Every mark must satisfy the requirements of the Trade Marks Ordinance before it may be accepted for registration in HKSAR. The procedure in applying for registration is laid down in the Trade Marks Rules. During 1998, 17631 applications were