Reward Scheme to Combat Illegal Photocopying of Books and Periodicals (Funded By HKRRLS)

The Reward Scheme is financed by the Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society (HKRRLS) and fully administered by the Hong Kong Customs.

The aim of the reward scheme is to encourage members of the public to provide information to Customs to combat copying service businesses (such as copy shops) involving in activities of making infringing copies of copyright work in books, and organisations involving in activities of making infringing copies of copyright work in books or periodicals for distribution without authorisation of the copyright owner for the purpose of trade/business to an extent leading to a financial loss to the copyright owner.

The basic requirements for the payment of reward are:

• the book(s) and periodical(s) being illegally photocopied or being made for distribution or distributed is (are) published by publishers participating in the reward scheme;
• the illegal photocopying activities are not taken place at premises providing photocopying services openly to the public, and the copying and distribution offence do not take place at premises being a known target of Customs.

Subject to the fulfillment of the above requirements, reward money shall be payable to a person providing information at the following rates:-

Illegal Photocopying of Books in Copy Shops

• Payment of $5,000
  • information leading to the arrest of any person and seizure of at least one copying machine and at least 20 illegal photocopies of books.
• Payment of $10,000
  • information leading to the arrest of any person and seizure of at least one copying machine and at least 50 illegal photocopies of books.
• Payment of $15,000
  • information leading to the arrest of any person and seizure of more than 4 copying machines and at least 200 illegal photocopies of books.

Illegal Copying of Books and Periodicals in Business

• Initial Payment ($5,000 – $10,000)
  • Any information leading to the arrest of any person and seizure of infringing copies being made for distribution/distributed within specified period in a printed form that is contained in book(s) or periodical(s).
• Additional Payment ($5,000 – $10,000)
  • For information leading to any successful criminal conviction under the Copyright Ordinance.

Members of the public can provide information through the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182. All information of the informants will be kept strictly confidential.