Hong Kong – Hong Kong Customs inspects Lunar New Year Fairs

     Hong Kong Customs today (February 4) distributed pamphlets to stall operators at various Lunar New Year Fairs to remind them not to sell infringing goods.

     The Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation) of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of Customs, Mr Nick Tse, said today that Customs will conduct inspections in various districts, including all 15 Lunar New Year Fairs, and take stringent enforcement actions against infringing activities to protect consumer interests.  

     Last November and December, Customs distributed leaflets to successful bidders for Lunar New Year Fair stalls reminding them to be cautious about the authenticity and origin of their purchased goods. They were also reminded to verify with the corresponding agents or representatives of trademark and copyright owners if in doubt.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with forged trademark commits an offence.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
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     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).