In the first eight months of this year, the Macao Customs Service received a total of 93 reports regarding suspected intellectual property (IP) infringements. Based on its investigations, 17 cases involving 34 suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) for follow-up, Assistant Commissioner Ip Wa Chio told reporters on the sidelines of a public awareness campaign yesterday.
Ip made the remarks on the sidelines of the 10th “Community Communication Mechanism for Combating Counterfeit Products” activity at the Macao Science Centre (MSC) in Nape.
Overall, the detection of IP infringement cases has shown a slight downward trend, Ip said, adding that this decrease is primarily down to intensified patrols across the city, alongside the deployment of a big data anti-counterfeiting system for online monitoring. This technology-driven approach to law enforcement has created a strong deterrent effect, Ip said.
Regarding the ongoing revision of the External Trade Law, Ip noted that the proposed legislative amendment is still in the research and development stage in collaboration with relevant government entities and has not yet been finalised, adding that the Macao Customs Service will fully cooperate with the government’s legislative initiative.
Asked by reporters if parallel-trading dens in Areia Preta and the Barrier Gate area continue to pose challenges, Ip noted that the Macao Customs Service strictly enforces the External Trade Law. He added that it will take immediate action against any illegal activity.
When asked by the media if parallel-trading dens are shifting from industrial buildings and shopping malls into private homes – requiring customs to operate more covertly – he replied that the Customs Service is closely monitoring changes in smuggling syndicates’ tactics including residential building-based distribution points and cross-border vehicle smuggling, forcing law enforcement to dynamically adjust and formulate targeted enforcement strategies.
Ip also noted that the community anti-counterfeiting liaison mechanism has reached its 10th anniversary, growing to 21 member organisations spanning various social sectors and civic groups. The network has provided vital intelligence and information support for customs enforcement, significantly boosting anti-counterfeiting efforts, he said.
Ip also said that the Macao Customs Service plans to further expand the mechanism’s membership and coverage area to strengthen its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Macao Customs Service (SA) Assistant Commissioner Ip Wa Chio talks to reporters on the sidelines of yesterday’s 10th “Community Communication Mechanism for Combating Counterfeit Products” public awareness activity at the Macao Science Centre (MSC) in Nape. – Photo: Ida Cheong
