Asia IP

On April 1, 2014, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police conducted a joint operation in Tsim Sha Tsui to combat the selling of counterfeit goods. Six cases were detected with the arrest of seven persons and seizure of 1,156 items of suspected counterfeit goods valued at HK$270,000 (US$34,800).

In the course of the operation, Customs and Police officers raided a number of target places in Tsim Sha Tsui. The enforcement action led to a successful crackdown on three storehouses with various types of suspected counterfeit goods including leather goods, watches, sunglasses and pens for the purpose of trade, and on another two sales outlets selling suspected counterfeit mobile phone accessories. Test-buying operations were also conducted on a dispensary for the suspected use of false trade descriptions by a salesperson in the course of selling proprietary medicine.

The joint operation resulted in the seizure of a total of 1,156 suspected counterfeit goods including leather goods, watches, sunglasses, pens, mobile phone accessories and proprietary medicine with a total estimated value of HK$270,000 (US$34,800). Seven men, aged from 21 to 56, were arrested. Four have been released on bail pending further investigations. The remaining three arrested persons will be charged.

The Group Head (Special Duties) of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of Customs, Liu Ping-tong, said at a press briefing that Customs and the Police would continue to take joint enforcement actions for greater efficacy in the effort against the sale of counterfeit products or violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Customs reminded traders and members of the public to respect intellectual property rights and that the sale of infringing goods is a serious crime whereby offenders are liable for criminal sanctions.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark, or applies a false trade description in the course of trade, commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$500,000 (US$64,500) and imprisonment of five years.