Intellectual Property

The department is responsible for enforcing the protection of intellectual
property rights including copyright and trademarks. It investigates
complaints and takes action against the manufacture and sale of
counterfeit products. Close contact is maintained with the owners of
intellectual property rights whose products are commonly pirated.

The new Copyright Ordinance came into force on June 27, 1997. It gives
Customs officers additional powers to seize and declare forfeit suspected
pirated articles. The ordinance makes it easier than in the past to
prosecute offenders and to enlist the co-operation of overseas
enforcement agencies and the intellectual property rights holders.

With an increase in manpower during the year and additional powers
under the new ordinance, the department was able to develop more
intelligence on the import and distribution of pirated goods. Large-scale
operations were carried out on shops and on-street hawkers selling
pirated CD products. As a result of stepped up enforcement, pirated
goods valued at $185.46 million were seized and 1 564 people arrested for
intellectual property offences. Counterfeit and falsely labelled goods
valued at $195.2 million were seized and 1 114 people prosecuted under
the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Stiffer penalties were imposed by the
courts and 329 persons were jailed for copyright and trademark offences.

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