HK Customs Launches Crackdown on Software Piracy

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, June 06, 2003

HK Customs Launches Crackdown on Software Piracy

Customs officers of the Hong KongIntellectual Property Investigation Bureau raided on Thursday seven companies suspected of using pirated computer software in their business.

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Customs officers of the Hong KongIntellectual Property Investigation Bureau raided on Thursday seven companies suspected of using pirated computer software in their business.

Starting on Monday, the officers conducted a four-day operationagainst corporate piracy. They raided eight commercial units during which they seized 26 computers containing pirated computer software worth 160,000 Hong Kong dollars (20,000 US dollars).

They arrested four men and a woman, aged between 32 and 49. Allwere released on bail, pending further enquiries.

"Initial investigations revealed that the seized computers wereusing pirated versions of some popular and valuable office software," a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said.

The spokesman urged the public, in particular company managements, not to use pirated computer software in business or trade.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, anyone who knowingly possesses an illicit copy of a copyright work for use in business commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars (6,400 US dollars) per illicit copy in addition to four years imprisonment.

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