Hong Kong Customs combats distribution of infringing tutorial notes
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Customs earlier received information alleging that some chain tutorial centres distributed suspected infringing tutorial notes in the course of lessons. After investigation, Customs officers raided 13 chain tutorial centres and an office premises in various districts of Hong Kong on November 23 and 24. During the operation, more than 50 000 pages of suspected infringing tutorial notes, 25 computers, a printer and 13 photocopiers were seized. Six men and eight women aged between 27 and 55 were arrested, including a director, a responsible person and a teacher of the tutorial centres. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
The Group Head of Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations) of Customs, Mr Guy Fong, today (November 25) reminded persons in charge of tutorial centres not to produce or distribute copies of copyright works as tutorial notes without the licence of the copyright owner. Commercial establishments have the responsibility to ascertain that the works are not infringing copies before using and distributing them.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any commercial establishment, including tutorial centres, distributing infringing copies of a copyright work in the course of business commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, November 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:00
Issued at HKT 12:00
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