Hong Kong Seizes 730,000 Counterfeit Items, Arrests 329

Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) reported a significant increase in intellectual property infringement cases in 2023, with 703 cases leading to 329 arrests and the seizure of approximately 730,000 infringing items valued at HK$288 million. The rise in counterfeiting reflects the challenges faced by Hong Kong as a major trading hub, prompting the C&ED to enhance its enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, in the U.S., legal disputes regarding copyright and AI have intensified, with a recent court ruling affirming that only human authors can hold copyright, rejecting claims made by an individual who sought to register AI-generated artwork. This aligns with global trends, as many jurisdictions, including Australia and Europe, have similarly ruled against AI authorship in copyright cases. Additionally, guidelines issued by the China National Intellectual Property Administration provide clarity on patent applications related to AI, highlighting specific requirements and the prohibition of naming AI systems as inventors. The evolving legal landscape in AI underscores the need for comprehensive frameworks to protect the rights of creators and address the complexities of AI-generated content.