We are proud to announce that Vivien Chan & Co. has received the Elite Enterprise Partnership Award 2025 from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department in recognition of our active co-operation and continued support. Notably, Vivien Chan & Co. is the only law firm, legal service provider and IP consultancy to receive this recognition from the Hong Kong Customs, underscoring our long-standing and active contribution and commitment to cross-border intellectual property enforcement in Hong Kong.
According to Hong Kong Customs’s 2024 annual report, there were 783 IP infringement cases in 2024, involving 4 million counterfeit items and a total estimated value of over HK$309 million (approx. US$40 million). Hong Kong Customs regularly intercepts counterfeit goods, including consumer electronics, clothing, bags, footwear and watches, originating from the Chinese mainland and intended for transhipment to overseas destinations.
Over the years, we have been collaborating with international brands across a wide range of industries on customs enforcement, including consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, entertainment, etc. We have been appointed as examiners for these brands to assist Hong Kong Customs in verification of the authenticity of the suspected infringing articles, seizure of counterfeits, furnishing evidence and testifying in court as expert witnesses to facilitate criminal prosecutions. In addition, we regularly conduct training sessions for customs officers to raise their awareness to our clients’ brands and latest product features and emerging trends in infringement.
Hong Kong Customs has wide power to enforce intellectual property rights within the region. They monitor borders and major logistics centers for imports and products that are repackaged for exports. They would seize suspected counterfeits, either bound for Hong Kong or for transhipment, , and no payment of bond fee is required.
In addition, right owners can file complaints against suspected counterfeits found in retail shops and local markets. Upon investigation, Hong Kong Customs may conduct raids and prosecute infringers. Customs recordal in Hong Kong is an effective way to complement anti-counterfeiting efforts in the region.
If you are interested in recording your IP rights with the Hong Kong Customs or would like to learn more about how customs recordal would benefit you or your clients, please feel free to contact us.
For further details about the award, please refer to the Hong Kong Customs’ press release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/19/P2025061900629.htm
