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Hong Kong Customs stepped up enforcement actions against infringing activities during Easter from March 22 to 28 with the total seizures of about 126,000 pieces of suspected infringing goods valued at around $8.6 million.
In the operation, Customs officers stepped up enforcement actions against infringing activities at the land boundary control points, air express cargo centre, shops and the Internet platforms respectively. A total of 10 cases were detected and suspected infringing goods included 106,000 smartphone accessories, 4,000 pairs of shoes, 2,800 pieces of apparels and 4,700 pirated optical discs. A total of five males and four females, aged from 15 to 46, were arrested.
A Customs spokesperson said Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions to combat infringing activities and appealed to members of the public to respect intellectual property rights and not to purchase or sell infringing goods.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale of any goods with any forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale of infringing items. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 for each infringing copy.
Anyone with information relating to suspected infringing activities may call the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:42
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