📋 重點速覽
- 要點一： 香港海關是打擊知識產權（IP）侵權的唯一刑事執法機關，權力集中，執法效率高。
- 要點二： 2024年執法成效顯著，處理案件總數達31,242宗，檢獲物品總值3.09億港元。
- 要點三： 自願性IP備案制度免費，無需繳交保證金，是權利人啟動邊境保護的關鍵步驟。
- 要點四： 侵權最高刑罰可達罰款50萬港元及監禁8年，法庭判刑日趨嚴厲。
你知道嗎？香港海關在2024年單一年度內，便檢獲了超過400萬件、總值高達3.09億港元的侵權物品。作為全球最繁忙的貿易樞紐之一，香港既是商機處處的寶地，也成為有組織侵權集團試圖利用其戰略位置進行非法活動的目標。了解知識產權保護如何與海關執法相結合，不僅是法律合規要求，更是今日全球化市場中保護業務資產的必要策略。
香港的前線防線：香港海關
香港作為國際貿易與物流中心的地理優勢，使其在全球打擊知識產權侵權的戰役中，既是戰略資產，也可能成為潛在的弱點。香港海關是香港特別行政區政府中，唯一負責對版權及商標侵權行為採取刑事制裁的部門。它依據一套全面的法律框架運作，旨在同時保護知識產權權利人及合法貿易商的利益。
為何香港是關鍵的邊境管制點
由於毗鄰中國內地的製造基地並擁有世界級的交通基建，香港常被視為轉運侵權貨物的戰略樞紐。這現實情況要求必須有嚴格的邊境執法，以防止香港成為侵權貨物流入全球市場的渠道。
為此，香港海關採取多管齊下的執法策略，針對三個層面的侵權活動：
- 跨境執法： 重點打擊進口、出口及轉運層面的非法活動。
- 本地執法： 針對侵權貨物的本地分銷及零售。
- 網上及科技罪案執法： 處理數碼盜版及電子商貿侵權。
法律框架：知識產權保護的四大支柱
1. 《商品說明條例》（第362章）
《商品說明條例》是一項重要的消費者保護法例，直接影響邊境的IP執法。該條例於2013年作出重大修訂，禁止在貨品上使用虛假商品說明及偽造商標，並禁止五種特定的不良營商手法。
| 罪行類別 | 最高罰款 | 最高監禁 |
|---|---|---|
| 經公訴程序定罪 | 500,000港元 | 5年 |
| 經簡易程序定罪 | 100,000港元 | 2年 |
2. 《版權條例》（第528章）
《版權條例》為版權作品提供全面保護，並特別針對侵權複製品的進出口。任何人未獲版權擁有人特許，而輸入或輸出（非作私人或家居用途）其知道或有理由相信是侵權複製品的作品複製品，即屬侵權。
| 版權罪行 | 最高刑罰 |
|---|---|
| 標準版權侵權 | 每件侵權複製品罰款50,000港元 + 監禁4年 |
| 在境外製造侵權複製品供出口往香港 | 罰款500,000港元 + 監禁8年 |
| 管有用作製造侵權複製品的物品 | 罰款500,000港元 + 監禁8年 |
3. 《商標條例》（第559章）
《商標條例》於2003年4月4日生效，建立了香港現代的商標註冊及保護制度。一個重要發展是《2020年商標（修訂）條例》，該條例賦予海關更廣泛的執法權力，將所有與商標相關的執法責任統一歸於海關。
4. 《防止盜用版權條例》（第544章）
這條專門條例針對版權盜版的特定方面，尤其聚焦於光碟製造及公眾娛樂場所內的錄影行為。近年來，對盜版光碟條款的嚴厲執法，已令香港零售店鋪售賣盜版光碟的情況幾乎絕跡。
IP備案制度：啟動邊境保護的鑰匙
香港設有自願性知識產權備案制度，允許權利人向海關登記其知識產權，從而促進更有效的邊境執法。雖然備案並非強制，但它能顯著提升海關識別和攔截侵權貨物的能力。
合資格審查員：關鍵要求
委任合資格審查員是香港IP備案制度中最具特色的要求之一。成功備案的兩個必要條件是：(1) IP擁有人必須指定一名合資格審查員來檢驗被扣查的貨物；(2) 必須有商標或版權侵權個案正在香港發生。
被提名的審查員必須具備專業知識，能夠區分正貨、侵權貨物及平行進口產品。提交備案申請後，海關會安排正式面談，以評估審查員的資格。
備案申請所需文件
IP備案所需文件包括：
- 知識產權存在及擁有權的證明（例如：註冊商標的商標註冊證明書）。
- 涉嫌侵權的證據（侵權樣本連同正貨樣本以供比較）。
- 如透過代表提交，需提供書面授權書。
- 委任合資格審查員的委任書。
- 承諾協助海關識別被扣查貨物及在法庭上作為控方證人作供的承諾書。
邊境執法實務：從偵查到銷毀
七步執法流程
- 初步偵查： 海關在所有邊境管制點（包括空運貨站、貨櫃碼頭及陸路邊境管制站）進行隨機抽查。
- 扣查： 可疑貨物會被扣留以待檢驗。
- 通知： 若相關IP已備案，海關會通知權利人或其指定的審查員。
- 檢驗： 合資格審查員檢驗被扣查貨物以確定真偽。
- 調查： 海關進行獨立調查，通常會輔以情報搜集。
- 檢控決定： 若貨物被確認侵權，海關會諮詢律政司關於檢控事宜。
- 處置： 定罪後，侵權貨物通常會被銷毀，以防再次流入市場。
執法數據：創紀錄的一年
香港海關在2024年展現出顯著提升的執法成效，反映打擊IP侵權的力度加強：
| 指標 | 2024年結果 | 與2023年比較 |
|---|---|---|
| 處理案件總數 | 31,242 宗 | +63% |
| IP相關案件 | 783 宗 | +11% |
| 檢獲物品數量 | 400 萬件 | +448% |
| 檢獲物品總值 | 3.09 億港元 | +7% |
2024年重點行動
- 2024年8月全港行動： 針對假冒香水、化妝品及護膚品，檢獲超過5,000件懷疑侵權物品，拘捕8人。
- 2024年10月行動： 在屯門內河碼頭，檢獲約74,700件懷疑侵權物品，估值約1,490萬港元。
- November 2024 operation: At the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, approximately 3,300 suspected infringing items were seized with an estimated market value of approximately HK$2.5 million.
Practical guidance for rights holders
Six steps to strengthen border protection
- Complete IP registration: Despite the stringent requirements, registration with Hong Kong Customs is the most effective mechanism for initiating border enforcement.
- Ensure the trademark is registered in Hong Kong: In practice, customs usually requires that the trademark must be registered in Hong Kong as a prerequisite for filing.
- Appointment of local Hong Kong examiner: Considering that inspection may need to be carried out within a short period of time, appointing a local representative in Hong Kong can help to respond quickly.
- Investment Examiner Training: Provides comprehensive training covering product authenticity identification, manufacturing processes and distribution networks.
- Keep records updated: Promptly notify Customs of changes to product lines, packaging, security features, and authorized distribution channels.
- Commit to active cooperation: Be prepared to provide active assistance, including participating in raids and testifying in court proceedings.
Report suspected infringement activity
If you discover activities that are suspected of violating IP laws, you can report them through the following channels:
- Customs 24-hour hotline: 2545 6182
- Online reporting: Hong Kong Customs website notification system
- Written notification: Applicable to trademark owners who have registered with Customs
| Features | Hong Kong | Mainland China | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording fee | None | None | Depends on member state |
| Deposit/guarantee required | No | Yes (for deduction) | Yes (for deduction) |
| Qualified Examiner | required and formally assessed | requires | Normally not required |
| Registration complexity | High (rigorous procedures) | Medium | Medium |
| Criminal prosecution | Standard Practice | Doable | Depends on Member State |
| Right holder cost | Enforcement actions are free of charge | Margin Cost | You may be responsible for incorrect deductions |
Emerging Trends and Future Developments
Strengthen cross-border cooperation
The integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has strengthened cooperation between the customs departments of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao. Regional IP databases facilitate real-time information sharing and coordinated enforcement actions to address the often transnational nature of IP infringement challenges.
Technology strengthens law enforcement
Hong Kong Customs is increasingly leveraging technology for IP enforcement, including advanced risk analysis systems for cargo screening, digital databases for recording IP information, online reporting systems, and enhanced data analytics for identifying trafficking patterns.
Focus on e-commerce and digital infringement
Recognizing the trend of commercial activities moving online, Customs has expanded its online and technological enforcement strategies. This includes monitoring e-commerce platforms, investigating online sellers, and coordinating with platform operators to remove infringing product listings.
✅ Summary of key points
- Hong Kong Customs is the sole authority responsible for IP criminal enforcement and operates under a comprehensive legal framework composed of four major laws.
- Although the IP registration system is strict, it provides the unique advantages of free of charge, no deposit required and free enforcement actions .
- Serious IP offenses carry maximum penalties of a fine of HK$500,000 and eight years' imprisonment , with the courts increasingly imposing prison terms.
- Enforcement set a record in 2024, with a total of 31,242 cases handled (an increase of 63%) , and 4 million items worth worth HK$309 million seized.
- Successful border protection requires the right holder to complete registration, appoint a qualified examiner, and commit to active cooperation.
- Strengthening regional cooperation and technology application are continuously improving the effectiveness of cross-border law enforcement.
In today's globalized economy, protecting your intellectual property at the Hong Kong border is not an option but a necessary business strategy. As infringing goods become increasingly sophisticated, organized criminal networks continue to exploit trade routes and actively interact with Hong Kong Customs through the filing system, which provides the most effective defense. The combination of a rigorous legal framework, dedicated enforcement resources and innovative cooperation mechanisms make Hong Kong’s IP border protection system one of the most effective in the world – for rights holders willing to invest in proper registration and ongoing cooperation.
📚 Source
The content of this article has been verified based on official Hong Kong government information and authoritative reference sources:
- Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department - Official IP Enforcement Data and Procedures
- Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Chapter 362) - Text of official legislation
- Hong Kong Customs Intellectual Property Protection - Official IP Registration and Enforcement Guidelines
- Hong Kong Government One Stop - Official portal website of the Hong Kong SAR Government
- Legislative Council - Relevant legislation and amendments
Last updated: December 2024 | The information in this article is for general reference only. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified legal or intellectual property professional.
Join the Discussion
0 Comments