Hong Kong Customs Seizes 99 Illegal Streaming Devices in Anti-Copyright Infringement Operations

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected infringing cases involving unauthorised communication of copyright works to public

Hong Kong Customs mounted enforcement operations on June 11 and yesterday (June 25) to combat infringement activities involving unauthorised communication of copyrighted works to the public. During the operation, Customs seized a total of 99 suspected illegal streaming devices, along with a batch of electronic products and audiovisual equipment, with an estimated market value of approximately $120,000.

Customs has been closely monitoring the market situation, and found that some retail shops were offering customers illicit streaming devices, namely TV set-top boxes and designated application programs, for watching infringing audiovisual contents, which are suspected of communicating copyright works to the public without authorisation.

After a comprehensive investigation and with the assistance of the copyright owners, Customs officers on the aforementioned dates raided two retail shops which were suspected to be connected with cases in North Point and Sham Shui Po and seized the batch of suspected illicit streaming devices.

During the operations, two men, aged 50 and 59, were arrested. An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests has not been excluded.

Customs reminds merchants not to participate in activities involving the unauthorised communication of copyrighted works to the public. Additionally, members of the public should respect intellectual property rights by refraining from purchasing any illicit streaming devices, and exercising caution against the cybersecurity risks posed by the use of such devices and specific applications.

Customs will continue to maintain close collaboration with copyright owners and will step up online and market inspections to combat various forms of infringing activities. At the same time, the department will increase awareness of respecting intellectual property rights among industry stakeholders and the public through publicity initiatives.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who, without the authorisation of the copyright owner, communicates a copyright work to the public for the purpose of or in the course of any trade or business that consists of communicating works to the public for profit or reward; or communicates the work to the public to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the copyright owner, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 in respect of each copyright work.

Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected infringing cases involving unauthorised communication of copyright works to public Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 20) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, and reminds the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.

The case involves a 30-year-old male with good past health. He presented with a fever, malaise and vomiting on December 18. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (December 19) and was admitted for treatment. The patient subsequently developed confusion and loss of speech. He is now in a stable condition. His cerebrospinal fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was meningitis.

An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contact has remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP will distribute preventive drugs to his close contacts and will continue the investigation.

Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. Including this case, the CHP has recorded 11 cases this year.

Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.

To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:

Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;

Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, hold the saliva with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;

Avoid crowded places;

Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;

Consult doctors about meningococcal vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas; and

Seek medical advice if you become ill after returning from high-risk areas, and discuss your recent travel history with your doctor.

The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on meningococcal infection.

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