Hong Kong Customs combats sale of pirated software

Date: 15/06/2018

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 14) conducted an operation to combat the sale of pirated software. A total of 301 sets of suspected pirated software and a batch of packaging materials with an estimated market value of about $340,000 were seized. Four persons were arrested.

Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected pirated software at shops in Sham Shui Po. After investigation, Customs officers conducted an operation yesterday and seized the batch of suspected pirated software at four retail shops in the district. A batch of packaging materials was also found in one of the shops.

During the operation, two male shop owners and two salesman, aged between 22 and 41, were arrested.

Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs will continue to step up patrols to curb any form of infringing activity.

Customs appeals to consumers to procure goods at reputable shops. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.

Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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