ENG-2013 — Page 136

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Commerce and Industry

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In 2013, the department took action in 99 piracy cases, arrested 143 people and seized goods (mostly pirated optical discs) worth $9 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 2013, the department took action in 630 false trade mark cases, seizing counterfeit goods worth $136 million and arresting 621 people.

In February, the department set up an Electronic Crime Investigation Centre to enhance its research capability on the latest technologies used in the commission of offences and to formulate enforcement strategies and procedures for the collection of digital evidence. This included providing special training courses for front-line officers.

Customs-Business Partnership

To help effective enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting activities, the department closely liaises with the business sector to promote intellectual property rights protection.

Public Education

In 2013, nine trade associations with 808 retail merchants, covering 6,505 outlets in Hong Kong, took part in the Intellectual Property Department's 'No Fakes Pledge' scheme. The department's school visits programme covered 75 schools and 17,640 students and the interactive drama programme covered 117 schools and 36,924 students in 2013. The department also promoted the value of intellectual property trading and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights through local seminars and exhibitions.

Intellectual Property Trading

The government set up the Working Group on Intellectual Property Trading in March 2013 to advise on strategies to develop Hong Kong as an intellectual property trading hub, and to identify appropriate policy and other measures in support. The Intellectual Property Department provides strategic advice on intellectual property trading matters and supports the work of the working group.

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 importance of intellectual property protection and management and the concept of intellectual property trading.

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.

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