HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 8) conducted an anti-piracy operation and seized a total of 100 suspected pirated fortune-telling books and 12 suspected pirated calendars with an estimated market value of about $6,000.
Acting on information alleging that pirated fortune-telling books were put on sale, Customs officers conducted patrols in conjunction with a copyright owner in various districts and found suspected pirated fortune-telling books being sold at a newspaper stand in Tsim Sha Tsui.
After investigation, Customs officers raided the newspaper stand and its storage area yesterday, and 100 suspected pirated fortune-telling books and 12 suspected pirated calendars were seized. A female person in charge of the newspaper stand, aged 70, was arrested. Investigation is ongoing. Selling infringing goods is a serious crime and offenders will face criminal liability. Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising.
Customs also appeals to consumers to make purchases at reputable shops and to check with copyright owners or their authorised agents if they are in doubt on a product’s authenticity.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale infringing items commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 for each 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.
