Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is an important engine driving innovation and creativity. Like other advanced economies around the world, Hong Kong values the importance of IP in our economic, social and cultural development. Our IP legal framework is fully compatible with Hong Kong’s international obligations under various treaties, such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. It safeguards the legitimate interests of investors, businesses and creators alike. Hong Kong is also a key IP trading hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau formulates, among others, policies pertaining to IP rights protection and trading.

Hong Kong’s IP regime is independent of that of the Mainland of China. Articles 139 and 140 of the Basic Law specifically provide that Hong Kong should, by its own laws, protect achievements in scientific and technological research, patents, discoveries and inventions, as well as achievements and the lawful rights and interests of authors in their literary and artistic creation.

IP rights protection and enforcement

The Intellectual Property Department was established in July 1990 to give professional advice to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on policy and legislation related to IP, provide civil legal advice on IP matters to the Government, and promote public awareness of and respect for IP rights. It also spearheads the Government’s initiative to promote Hong Kong’s development as an IP trading hub in the Asia-Pacific region, and operates the trade marks, patents, designs and copyright licensing bodies registries.

Visit the website of the Intellectual Property Department to learn more about Hong Kong’s IP regime and its protection.

Customs and Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department is responsible for enforcing laws against the infringement of IP rights in Hong Kong, including infringement of trade marks and copyright. With the changes in buyer and user behaviour in recent years, the Department has devoted more resources to the online environment for crime prevention, enforcement, and public education.

Visit the website of the Customs and Excise Department to learn more about Hong Kong’s IP enforcement initiatives.

Intellectual Property Trading

IP commercialisation is important to the continuous development of a knowledge-based economy. Like other advanced economies, Hong Kong is capitalising on IP as a new growth area, and developing the IP industry into a vibrant sector that helps boost the economy and create job opportunities. Visit our dedicated website on IP trading to learn more about the consultation service, training programmes, funding, and other support services available for IP commercialisation and trading.

Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum

Launched in 2011, the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum is an annual flagship event on the IP calendar in the Asia-Pacific region. It is co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Hong Kong Design Centre.

Asia IP Exchange

Connect with IP players from all corners of the world and view over 28,000 tradable IP listings at the Asia IP Exchange (AsiaIPEX), a free online platform and database showcasing IPs around the globe.

Last revision date: 30 November 2020