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The Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, set up under the Sixth Plenary of the Guangdong/Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Conference in August, convened its first meeting in Hong Kong today (December 3).

The expert group was set up to enhance exchanges and co-operation on various aspects of intellectual property, including promotion and education, training, enforcement and information dissemination. The Guangdong delegation is led by the Director General of Guangdong Provincial Intellectual Property Office, Mr Li Zhong-duo, and comprises officials from the Administration for Industry and Commerce, the Copyright Bureau, Public Security Bureau, Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation Department and Guangdong Customs. The Hong Kong delegation is headed by the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr Stephen Selby, and comprised of officials from the Customs and Excise Department and the Hong Kong Police Force.

The meeting brought together the various intellectual property administration and enforcement units in Guangdong and Hong Kong for the first time. Speaking at the press conference held after the meeting, Mr Selby said, "This meeting has provided an excellent platform for exchanging information and building partnerships. With the increasing economic co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, it is vital that we step up co-operation and exchanges between the two places in order to tackle intellectual property infringements and maximise use of intellectual property assets."

Mr Li Zhong-duo said, "We have had a very fruitful meeting this morning. We have reviewed various co-operation items and are satisfied with the progress and outcomes achieved so far. We have agreed to start on a number of initiatives, including the launch of the 'No Fakes' pledge concurrently in Hong Kong and Guangdong in partnership with the relevant organisations."

During the press conference, a ceremony was held to launch the Intellectual Property Database for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Acting Head of the Intellectual Property Department of the Macau Economic Services, Ms Chan Tze-wai, was invited to join Mr Li and Mr Selby in officiating at the ceremony.

The database allows easy access to information on the intellectual property systems in the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. Laws and registration procedures in relation to trade marks, patents and registered design as well as laws and regulations on copyright can be found on the database. The three regions have agreed to continue to enhance the database with useful and up-to-date information. Those who wish to protect their intellectual property or to avoid infringing others' rights would find the database a handy reference.

The database can be searched at the website: www.ip-prd.net.

The second meeting of the expert group will be held in Guangdong Province in June 2004.

A summary of the various co-operation items is posted on the website of the Intellectual Property Department.

Ends/Wednesday, December 3, 2003

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