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Executive Council Member, the Honourable Andrew Liao Cheung-sing today (November 14) visited the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for a better understanding of the Customs enforcement actions against piracy and counterfeiting activities.

Accompanied by Mr Timothy Tong, Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Liao met the Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations) Group, Mr Liu Cheung-shing.

Mr Liu Cheung-shing told Mr Liao that a persistent Customs crackdown over the years had led to a huge drop in the number of blackspots for selling pirated discs in Hong Kong, from over 1,000 blackspots in 1998 to the latest assessment of some 80 currently.

But Commissioner Tong warned that vigorous enforcement efforts must continue, or Hong Kong's streets could be flooded with counterfeit goods in no time. "Some people may think that nothing is easier to make a few quick dollars than to sell fake goods. It requires neither training nor experience, let alone any professional qualifications or expertise, and it takes only a very small amount of money to start an outlet to do illicit business at," Mr Tong said. "But Hong Kong Customs will not make life easy for them," Mr Tong pledged. "Because infringement of copyright impedes investment in innovation and is very bad for legitimate business."

The Hon Andrew Liao saw demonstrations of how Customs officials raided illicit outlets selling pirated CDs, VCDs, DVDs, TV games, business computer software, and varied counterfeit goods ranging from watches and handbags to high fashion.

Mr Liao was also briefed on an extended anti-counterfeiting work programme being co-ordinated by the Customs and Excise Department. Working alongside the Intellectual Property Department, Travel Industry Council, Consumer Council, and other stakeholders including the industry and copyright holders, Customs would introduce the following initiatives:

* setting up an "Alliance on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" with copyright owners to enhance the effectiveness of Customs enforcement work;

* stepping up enforcement action against counterfeiting activities through, among other things, enhanced intelligence and various incentive schemes;

* strengthening publicity encouraging traders to pledge to sell genuine goods; and

* organising seminar and roadshow to promote awareness and respect for intellectual property rights.

Under the Alliance, intellectual property copyright owners will step up their surveillance to ensure that shops selling goods bearing their trademarks are genuine. Any suspected counterfeit goods would be referred to Customs for follow-up investigations.

The extended work programme aims to send a clear message to tourists and local shoppers that Hong Kong respects intellectual property rights and remains a shopping paradise for genuine goods.

Mr Liao said he would support the extended work programme. "I will be prepared to do what I could to help the Alliance on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights to unite all relevant parties and engage them in fighting against counterfeiting activities." Mr Liao said." I support the organisation of a territory-wide seminar, and more."

Ends/Friday, November 14, 2003

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