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Commerce and Industry

Enforcement

The Customs and Excise Department enforces criminal sanctions for infringement of intellectual property rights. It investigates reports of copyright infringement and trade mark counterfeiting; maintains licensing control on all optical disc and stamper factories; and takes action against the manufacture, distribution, sale, import and export of pirated and counterfeit goods and possession for business use. It also combats copyright piracy and other infringement on the internet involving the sale of counterfeit goods.

In 2012, the department took action in 116 piracy cases, arrested 166 people and seized goods (mostly pirated optical discs) worth $7 million. The department took action to prevent on-street sale of pirated and counterfeit goods. In addition to targeted raids, officers carry out intensive and high-profile patrols in high risk areas to deter and suppress the peddling of pirated and counterfeit goods. In 2012, the department took action in 438 false trade mark cases, seizing counterfeit goods worth $136 million and arresting 485 people.

Customs-Business Partnership

To help effective enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting activities, the department fosters industry support and co-operation through the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Alliance and various associations representing copyright and trade mark owners.

Public Education

In 2012, nine trade associations with 795 retail merchants, covering 6,196 outlets in Hong Kong, took part in the Intellectual Property Department's 'No Fakes Pledge' scheme. The department's school visit programmes to promote respect for intellectual property rights covered 111 schools and 33,929 students in 2012. The department also promoted the value of intellectual property trading and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights through local seminars and exhibitions.

Co-operation with Mainland Counterparts

The Intellectual Property Department works closely with its Mainland counterparts at the national, regional and provincial level to promote the protection and management of intellectual property rights.

The Customs and Excise Department maintains close co-operation with its Mainland counterparts in exchanging experience and information on the detection and prosecution of intellectual property-related offences. Hong Kong and Guangdong customs conduct regular joint operations to intercept infringing goods smuggled across the boundaries. The department and the National Copyright Administration provide mutual administrative assistance in the fight against internet piracy to better protect the interests of intellectual property rights owners.

Participation in International Organisations

The Intellectual Property Department participates in various international forums, including activities and conferences of the WTO Council for Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, and represents Hong Kong, China at various international and regional intellectual property symposiums and conferences.

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