Asia IP

On August 22, 2014, Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation at a shopping mall in Mong Kok and successfully cracked down a retail shop selling suspected counterfeit mobile phones.

Acting on information, 11 suspected counterfeit mobile phones, valued at about HK$60,000 (US$7,740), were seized in the operation. Two male suspects - a shop owner and a salesperson aged 21 and 26, were arrested under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

The retail shop was suspected to apply machine parts of an old-version mobile phone to counterfeit mobile phone housings of a newer version. The suspected counterfeit mobile phones were sold as the new version of the original mobile phones.

The Customs will continue to closely monitor the market, take appropriate enforcement actions and liaise with the trademark owners for assistance if necessary. Customs reminded traders 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.