Macau Customs maintains an enforcement department for IP investigation that works closely with Mainland Chinese authorities, foreign customs agencies, and World Customs Organization to ensure best practices in encountering criminal organizations engaged in IP theft.
There are no formalities required to obtain copyright protection for a work in the Hong Kong SAR. Works of authors from any place in the world, or works first published anywhere in the world, also qualify for copyright protection in the Hong Kong SAR.
Defensive trademarks have been protected in HK based on Trade Marks Ordinance. It was also possible under Cap. 43 (see sections 55 to 57) to register defensive trademarks.
For years, malicious trademark registration has not fully stopped in China. This happens mainly because in China the principle of first-to-file is applicable and the cost for trademark registration is relatively low. For the purpose of enhancing trademark protection and creating a friendly business environment, China has been taking multiple measures and continued efforts from the perspectives of legislation, administrative protection, and judicial protection to crack down on malicious trademark registrations.
The trademark registration systems of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan provide territorial protection. Hence, trademarks registered with the China National Intellectual Property Administration or trademarks registries of other countries or regions do not automatically receive extension protection in these three jurisdictions. As a gateway to China and Asia, Hong Kong, Macao, and TAIWAN are set to benefit from the economic integration of the Greater China region. To obtain a registered trademark under Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan trademark laws precede in launching a new business in Great China.
This is a criminal raid action against an infringer who produced and sold counterfeit products in large quantities.