Hong Kong Customs officers will enhance enforcement against all forms of piracy during the World Cup and maintain close surveillance of the Internet, the Customs and Excise Department said Friday.

 

The department warned that distribution of subscription television programs or any copyright work via the Internet without a license is a crime. Downloading from the Internet any copyright work, including subscription television programs, without a license, is also an offense. If Customs officers come across any intellectual property infringement offense, they will take appropriate action.

 

Noting media reports that live World Cup broadcasts by subscription television might be available for free viewing on the Internet by using certain software, the department appealed to the public not to engage in such activities. Both commercial and domestic users of illicit decoders will be subject to court action. Officers will tighten inspection to seize illegal decoders imported into Hong Kong at all boundary control points.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2006)