ENG-2008 — Page 162

114 | Commerce and Industry

Public Education

In 2008, the Intellectual Property Department continued to conduct school visits programme to promote respect for intellectual property rights. In 2008, the programme covered 71 schools and 23 884 students. The department launched a series of promotional programmes to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the territory-wide 'No Fakes Pledge' Scheme, bringing together retailers and the general public. The promotion included joining the float procession at the 2008 International Chinese New Year Night Parade and distribution of promotional materials by official mascot, 'No Fakes' General, in a number of tourist areas, etc.

In September 2008, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) presented to the HKSAR Government the 'Government Best Practices: Asia Pacific' award for its outstanding achievements in promoting and protecting intellectual property rights. Between 2007 and 2008, the department collaborated with trade associations in the launch of a free 'Software Asset Management (SAM) Consultancy Programme'. The Programme helped business proprietors to manage their software inventory and use SAM in their business operations to enhance business efficiency, avoid security risks. and reduce the risk of incurring liability on the personal and organisational level. A total of 648 organisations participated in the Programme.

Co-operation with Mainland Counterparts

The Intellectual Property Department continued to work closely with the relevant Mainland counterparts at various levels in promoting the protection and management of intellectual property rights.

In July 2008, under the framework of 'Trade and Investment Facilitation' in Supplement V to the CEPA, the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and the Intellectual Property Department agreed to set up a Trademark Working Co-ordination Group to institutionalise a regular communication mechanism to strengthen exchanges and co-operation in areas such as trademark registration and trademark protection.

The Customs and Excise Department continued to strengthen co-operation with its counterparts on the Mainland in exchanging experience and information on the detection and prosecution of intellectual property-related offences. Over the years, the Customs administrations of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province have co-ordinated joint operations on a regular basis for intercepting infringing goods smuggled across the boundaries.

Participation in International Organisations

To keep abreast of international developments in intellectual property protection, the Intellectual Property Department continued to participate in various international forums, including the activities of the WTO Council for Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and conferences at the WIPO. The department also represented Hong Kong, China at other international and regional intellectual property symposiums and conferences, including the 26th and 27th meeting of the APEC Intellectual Property Experts Group held in Lima, Peru.