By Chen Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-01 08:56

SHENZHEN -- Shenzhen Customs dealt with 213 cases of infringement of intellectual property rights in the first six months of this year.

The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 112 percent.

A wide range of goods, including handbags, garments, watches, mobile phones, shoes, cosmetics, food, and electronic products, were involved. The estimated value was 15 million yuan, ($2 million) up 38 percent from a year ago, according to the customs.

"We have put much emphasis on protecting IPR, especially those of domestic brands that have entered the international market," Wang Tianwei, a public relations officer of Shenzhen Customs, said.

While it provided more training to improve the capabilities of law enforcement officials, Shenzhen Customs also launched campaigns to increase IPR awareness among companies.

A total of 12 cases which violated the IPR of Chinese companies were detected in the six-month period compared to seven for the whole of last year.

Closer co-operation with the police had also helped in the fight, Wang said.

The customs had provided three tip-offs to police during the period leading to the arrest of several people.

"Co-operation with the police has proved an effective way to curb increasing IPR infringements in imports and exports," Wang said.

Shenzhen Customs also carries out joint actions with Hong Kong customs and frequently exchange information.

Hong Kong customs said the number of IPR violation cases in Guangdong had decreased as a result of the close cooperation.