17 Sep 2026 | Registered Trademark Design Infringed? Copyright Infringement Litigation — The “Third Shortcut” for SMEs to Defend Their Rights
Registered Trademark Design Infringed? Copyright Infringement Litigation — The “Third Shortcut” for SMEs to Defend Their Rights 1. When an infringer uses your registered trademark without authorization, and the trademark itself features a distinctive design (such as a logo or graphic design), in addition to the traditional “trademark infringement” and “common law passing off” actions, you also have an often-overlooked yet highly formidable legal weapon — a “copyright infringement” action (Copyright Ordinance, Cap. 528). Copyright protection covers original graphic works,... MORE
20 Aug 2026 | Client “Bridges Burning”: How SMEs Can Protect Their Copyright in Four Steps
Client “Bridges Burning”: How SMEs Can Protect Their Copyright in Four Steps 1. Small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter “Company A”) frequently encounter the following situation: a client (hereinafter “Company B”) places an initial order with A, but once the product has been validated and gained popularity in the market, B pressures A to lower prices or even seeks alternative products to replace A’s offerings. Without realising it, A sees its orders drop to zero. Upon investigation, A discovers that B... MORE
23 Jul 2026 | Copyright in Photographs: Enforcement Strategies and Practical Applications for SMEs
Copyright in Photographs: Enforcement Strategies and Practical Applications for SMEs 1. In Hong Kong, copyright protection is relatively broad in scope. Under the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528), “copyright works” explicitly include photographs. In other words, any person (an infringer) who uses even a single photograph without the authorization of the copyright owner may already constitute copyright infringement. SMEs often possess a large number of product photographs, promotional images, and website visual materials, but frequently overlook the copyright value inherent in... MORE
18 Jun 2026 | Starting with a complaint on “Scoop”: Rational Choices for SMEs Facing Trademark Infringement Lawsuits
Starting with a complaint on “Scoop”: Rational Choices for SMEs Facing Trademark Infringement Lawsuits 1. On February 4, 2026, “Scoop” reported a case that has drawn significant attention from SMEs. A group of complainants (who are also defendants) tipped off the program, claiming that they were sued for infringement and passing off by a registered trademark holder (the plaintiff), and now face massive legal costs. According to one complainant, the total compensation “could reach HK$15 million.” The program’s host, a... MORE
21 May 2026 | Sharing idol videos? Be careful not to break the law!
Sharing idol videos? Be careful not to break the law! 1. Attention all Hong Kong citizens, SME owners, and especially young people who love sharing content online! With the rise of online sharing culture, many people upload their favorite idol videos, music clips, or concert footage to social media platforms to share with others. 2. However, starting from May 1, 2025, the Copyright Ordinance (Chapter 528) has introduced “Communication Rights.” These unauthorized sharing activities could very easily lead to legal... MORE
23 Apr 2026 | Doing business well inevitably leads to infringement: Five strategies for SME owners to protect their rights
Doing business well inevitably leads to infringement: Five strategies for SME owners to protect their rights 1. Many Hong Kong SME owners think, “Infringement? It’s a small matter, let it be.” If you think this way, you’re making a big mistake. Infringement is like an anthill; if you ignore it at first, it will be everywhere in a few months. Soon, the market share of infringing goods will far exceed your genuine products. Customers will start patronizing infringing stores because... MORE
19 Mar 2026 | Hong Kong Copyright Law: Who owns the copyright to AI-generated works?
Hong Kong Copyright Law: Who owns the copyright to AI-generated works? 1. In Hong Kong, there is no single, clear answer to the question of copyright ownership for works generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Instead, it depends on two core elements: who is “the person who makes the necessary arrangements” during the creation process, and how the agreement between the user and the AI platform is stipulated. Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) 2. According to the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance, Cap.... MORE
19 Feb 2026 | Karaoke Copyright Infringement
Karaoke Copyright Infringement 1. Karaoke has always been widely popular, enjoyed by both young people and the elderly. However, while having fun, it’s important to be aware of the following: Does singing karaoke in a party room violate copyright laws? 2. Generally speaking, karaoke services include streaming songs, music, and videos (Products). If the owner creates a work using independent skill, judgment and labour, it will be protected by the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance, Chapter 528. If a user plays... MORE
22 Jan 2026 | The Broad Scope of Copyright Protection under Hong Kong Law
The Broad Scope of Copyright Protection under Hong Kong Law 1. Under the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) of the Laws of Hong Kong, copyright works are protected by law. These works include, but are not limited to, literary works and artistic works. As long as the copyright owner can demonstrate the originality of the work and provide copyright details (such as the date of creation, the author, and the date of publication), the law offers protection against unauthorized use or... MORE
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