Twelve retailers were arrested when Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation this week, clamping down on counterfeit lanterns, stationery and toys.
About 1400 suspected infringing lanterns, toys and stationery were seized, valued at about $48,000.
Customs had earlier conducted patrols in various districts of Hong Kong and found traders offering for sale suspected infringing products. Customs, with the assistance of the relevant trademark and copyright owners, subsequently mounted a strike-and-search operation on Tuesday.
Nine retail outlets and hawker pitches in Sheung Wan, Central, Shum Shui Po, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai were targeted. Five men and seven women, including five salespersons and seven owners aged from 31 to 67, were arrested. They were put on bail pending further investigation, which is ongoing.
Group head (IP investigation operations) with Customs, Guy Fong, said the department would continue to take stringent enforcement actions to combat the sale of infringing goods. He appealed to consumers to purchase at shops with good reputations and to check with the copyright or trademark owners or their authorised agencies if authenticity of the product was in doubt.
He also reminded retailers and traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising, since selling infringing goods is considered a serious crime. Under the Copyright Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale 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.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.