Tag Archives: China

     The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) announced today (March 29) the results of the Survey on Public Awareness of Intellectual Property (IP) Right Protection 2020. The results revealed that the general public maintained a high level of awareness of IP rights protection and respect for IP rights.

     A total of 1 000 members of the public responded to the survey. An overwhelming majority (92.9 per cent) considered it necessary to protect IP rights in Hong Kong. Over 87 per cent of them were aware that copyright, trademarks and patents are protected under the laws of Hong Kong. Most of the respondents believed that IP rights protection could, in the long run, help attract foreign investments (79.3 per cent) and the development of local creative industries (77.7 per cent).

     The Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, said, “The IPD has all along been striving to raise the public awareness of IP rights at all levels through various educational and promotional programmes. Similar surveys have been commissioned by the IPD regularly since 1999 to gauge public awareness of IP rights protection in Hong Kong. The survey findings reveal that the awareness of IP rights protection and respect for IP rights remain high among the general public. We will keep up our efforts in promoting IP rights protection to underpin the development of Hong Kong as a knowledge-based economy.” 

     In the survey, 92.8 per cent of the respondents said that they had seldom or never bought pirated or counterfeit goods, up from 89.7 per cent in the 2018 survey. Meanwhile, 86.2 per cent agreed that “it is morally wrong to buy pirated or counterfeit goods knowing that it is an infringement of IP rights”. The percentage of respondents who agreed with this statement has been rising since 2014 (67.4 per cent).

     On the channels through which pirated or counterfeit goods were purchased, physical shops (32.9 per cent) remained the most frequently cited channel, followed by street stalls (32.4 per cent) and online shops/auction sites (24.5 per cent). However, when compared with the findings of previous surveys, there has been a declining trend in respect of physical shops (47.3 per cent in 2016) whereas a continuous increase is observed for online shops/auction sites (10.4 per cent in 2016).

     With online shopping becoming more popular, 83.9 per cent of the respondents who purchased products with brand(s) or logo(s) online would pay attention to whether the products were genuine, which reflected a significant increase from the results in 2018 (67 per cent).

     With regard to the use of copyright content, 57.2 per cent of the respondents indicated that they “definitely will” or “possibly will” pay authorised websites for listening to songs, watching movies online or downloading songs/movies/computer software/games/e-books, representing a continued upward trend since 2008 (21 per cent). The top three reasons cited for making a payment were the same as the findings in the 2018 survey, namely “respect IP rights” (35.9 per cent), “give support to creative industries” (32.3 per cent), and “for better quality” (23.4 per cent).

     On the attitude of using copyright content, 80.1 per cent of the respondents agreed that “it is morally wrong to listen to music or watch movies/TV shows online knowing that they were pirated versions”, which is noticeably higher than the percentage in the 2018 survey (70.2 per cent).

     The “No Fakes Pledge” Scheme has been rolled out by the IPD and a number of retail and industry associations, where “No Fakes” stickers will be displayed in shops to help shoppers distinguish reliable traders selling genuine goods. The survey revealed that 77.3 per cent of the respondents had heard of the scheme, which is a record high since 2008 (50.1 per cent). Among those who were aware of the scheme, 87.7 per cent considered the scheme helpful in building confidence among consumers and tourists in shopping in Hong Kong, and strengthening Hong Kong’s reputation as a “shoppers’ paradise”.

     Similar surveys have been commissioned by the IPD regularly since 1999. The previous survey was conducted in 2018. Report of the latest survey is available on the IPD’s webpage (www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/promotion_edu/survey.htm). read more

     A girl who went missing in Tsuen Wan has been located.      Yeung Ho-po, aged 14, went missing after she left her residence in Tsuen King Circuit on March 26 afternoon. Her family made a report … read more

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 29) reminded people paying tribute to ancestors at graveyards in the countryside during the Ching Ming Festival period to exercise caution and prevent hill fires.
 
     An AFCD spokesman said it is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) to burn offerings without considering fire risks or leave behind kindling in the countryside. Any person who contravenes the ordinance may be prosecuted and is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year’s imprisonment upon conviction.
 
     The AFCD will deploy staff and enforcement officers to patrol graveyards in the countryside during the Ching Ming Festival period. Those who are found in breach of the law will be prosecuted.
 
     The majority of hill fires in the countryside are caused by human negligence. Accidents can be prevented if grave sweepers follow some simple guidelines:
 
* Remove weeds around the graves with tools and never burn weeds;
* Burning should only be done inside a container or iron bucket;
* Never leave burning offerings unattended; and
* Make sure all kindling is put out before leaving.
 
     The spokesman said that metal containers for burning offerings properly will be handed out to grave sweepers who have such a need at suitable locations in the country parks during the Ching Ming Festival. The AFCD will also deploy additional country park wardens to step up patrols at hill fire black spots.
 
     Members of the public are reminded to keep the countryside clean. Before leaving, grave sweepers should not leave behind their offerings or rubbish. The AFCD issued fixed penalty notices to 77 persons for littering in country parks last year.
 
     With a view to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community, the spokesman also appealed to the public to avoid grave sweeping during the peak period on the day of the Ching Ming Festival to avoid crowds to contain the spread of the virus. The public must comply with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G).
 
     Meanwhile, the spokesman reminded grave sweepers to maintain appropriate social distancing, avoid meal gatherings at worship sites or in crowded places and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene so as to lower the risk of disease transmission. He added that all country park barbecue sites and campsites will remain closed until further notice. read more

     Five illegal workers comprising two Vietnamese, two Pakistani and one Indian were jailed by Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on March 26.

    During operation “Twilight” conducted on March 24, Immigration Department (ImmD) investigators raided a restaurant in Tai Kok Tsui. Two male Vietnamese illegal workers, both aged 34, were arrested while working as dish-washing workers. Upon identity checking, one of the males produced for inspection a recognisance form issued by the ImmD, which prohibits him from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that he was a non-refoulement claimant. An employer suspected of employing the two illegal workers was also arrested and an investigation is ongoing.
 
     In addition, during a joint operation conducted by the ImmD and the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” on March 23, ImmD investigators raided a Hong Kong International Airport cargo terminal. A male Indian illegal worker and a male Pakistani illegal worker, aged 26 and 51, were arrested while working as a packer and a porter. Upon identity checking, they produced for inspection recognisance forms issued by the ImmD, which prohibit them from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that they were non-refoulement claimants.

    Furthermore, ImmD investigators received a referral from the Hong Kong Police Force to further investigate an illegal employment case in March. Enforcement officers arrested one male Pakistani worker, aged 27, who was conveying goods at a vegetable stall in Kwai Chung. Upon identity checking, the male produced for inspection a recognisance form issued by the ImmD, which prohibits him from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that he was a non-refoulement claimant. A Hong Kong resident employer suspected of employing the illegal worker was also arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

     The five illegal workers were charged at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on March 26 with taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration or while being a person in respect of whom a removal order or deportation order was in force. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were each sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment to 15 months and 2 weeks’ imprisonment.
 
     The ImmD spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months’ imprisonment should be applied in such cases.

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for three years and a fine of $350,000. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. The maximum penalty for failing to inspect such a document is imprisonment for one year and a fine of $150,000.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening on vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation, with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments. read more

     Hongkong Post announced today (March 29) that hand-picked philatelic products issued by Macao and the overseas postal administrations of Australia, Canada, the Isle of Man, Liechtenstein, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will be put on sale from March 31 (Wednesday).
      
     One of the highlights is a presentation pack featuring the beloved fictional hero Sherlock Holmes issued by Royal Mail, which comes with a stunning compilation of stories and images as well as stamps depicting the six key characters from the TV series “Sherlock”. Adding an extra touch to excite fans of the mystery series, hidden details from the episode storylines will be revealed when UV light is shone over the stamps. It also contains a four-stamp souvenir sheet with stunning illustrations of four classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries. An up-close look at the fascinating presentation pack will certainly inspire collectors to read the original stories and novels again.
      
     Also recommended are the commemorative stamp products issued by the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau and Liechtensteinische Post AG celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, who is acclaimed as one of the most influential composers of all time and a predominant musical figure in the transitional period between the classical and romantic eras. Beethoven’s legacy lives on to inspire many musical creations around the world even today.
      
     Festive stamps have been an all-time favourite among keen philatelists. Hongkong Post is therefore offering Christmas and Year of the Ox stamp products issued by various postal administrations in the selection, with vibrant colours and vivid graphics used to convey the moods of festivities around the world. Those who are fond of collecting stamps with special shapes should not miss the first-ever triangular stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post Office, which depict the placidity and sturdiness of the ox, and portray the folklore story of the race between creatures for a place in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
      
     The above philatelic products will only be available for sale at the Hongkong Post online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) starting from 8am on March 31. Details of the philatelic products, the prices and the sales quota are set out in the Appendix. For further information, please visit the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) or call the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.