Two property owners fined over $150,000 in total for not complying with removal orders
Two owners were convicted and fined $154,140 in total at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts yesterday (September 9) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
The first case involved the erection of fence walls and several unauthorised structures with a total area of about 260 square metres on the roof of an industrial building on Kwai Sau Road, Kwai Chung. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $89,140 in total, of which $49,140 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued.
The second case involved an unauthorised structure of about 114 sq m on the flat roof of a composite building on Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung. As the UBW was carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner had been prosecuted by the BD four times and was fined upon convictions by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted for the fifth time and was fined $65,000 upon conviction by the court.
A spokesman for the BD said today (September 10), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Source: AI-found images
Government announces establishment of Steering Committee on Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy Pilot Programme and appointments
The Government today (September 10) announced the establishment of the Steering Committee on the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy Pilot Programme and the appointment of its Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members.
As announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the Intellectual Property Department will collaborate with the Vocational Training Council to establish the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy, which is targeted to officially commence in the fourth quarter of this year. Through more systematic and better-recognised on-the-job intellectual property (IP) training programmes for the workforce across the economy, the Academy seeks to expand Hong Kong's pool of IP talent and support its development as a regional IP trading centre.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "Talent is essential to the continued development of Hong Kong's IP ecosystem. By bringing together the expertise and experience of government representatives, industry stakeholders and professionals from different fields, the Steering Committee will advise on the development and operation of the Academy's pilot programme and help ensure that its training responds to industry needs.
"We look forward to working closely with the Steering Committee to equip the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to capture the opportunities arising from IP commercialisation and trading."
Members of the Steering Committee are appointed for a term of two years, commencing on October 1, 2026. The membership list is as follows:
Chairman
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Professor Sunny Lee Wai-kwong
Vice-Chairman
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Director of Intellectual Property
Members
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Ms Lovinia Chiu Siu-yin
Ms Monique Chu
Professor He Tianxiang
Dr James Li Tsz-shu
Ms Prudence Mak Ngar-tuen
Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu
Mr Wiley Pun Wang-fung
Professor Kenny Wong Kam-shan
Ex-officio members
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Principal of the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge
Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology
Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries (1)
Source: AI-found images
