​Customs officers today (January 22) distributed pamphlets to stall operators at various Lunar New Year fairs to remind them not to sell infringing goods.

     Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation), Ms Phoebe Wong, said today that Hong Kong Customs would step up inspections in different districts, including at Lunar New Year fairs, and take stringent enforcement actions against infringing activities to protect consumer interests. 

     Last November and December, Hong Kong Customs sent letters 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 article and imprisonment for four years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Sunday, January 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:00

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