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Customs officers of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau raided eight companies in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Lok Fu, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long suspected of using pirated computer software in the course of business.

Starting on October 14, the officers conducted an eight-day operation against corporate piracy. As a result, they seized 92 computers suspected of being equipped with pirated software and a small quantity of pirated discs, worth about $450,000 in total.

Customs officers arrested eight men, aged 22 to 54. They were freed on bail pending further Customs investigations.

The Divisional Commander of the Copyright Investigation Division, Mr Chong Wai-ming, reminded the public, particularly company managers, not to use pirated computer software in the course of their business or trade.

Under the amended Copyright Ordinance in effect since April 1, 2001, anyone who knowingly possesses an infringing copy of a copyright work, such as pirated software, for business purposes commits a criminal offence.

The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and four years' imprisonment.

Since April 1, 2001, Customs officers have arrested 49 persons suspected of involvement in corporate piracy. The maximum penalty meted out was a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

Mr Chong encouraged the public to report corporate piracy to the Customs hotline, 2545 6182.

Anyone who provides information leading to a raid on a company and a seizure of pirated software being used on at least eight computers is eligible for a reward of $5,000, he said .

The reward scheme is financed by the Business Software Alliance and administered by Customs.

Ends/Tuesday, October 21, 2003

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