Intellectual Property
65 cases · January 1900 to June 2026
Overview
Intellectual Property appears in 65 reported Hong Kong judgments (1900–2026).
Cases about trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and counterfeiting.
Intellectual property disputes in Hong Kong concern the rights that protect creations, brands and inventions, including trade marks, copyright, registered designs, patents, passing off and the trade in counterfeit goods. Typical claims involve the infringement of a registered mark, the copying of protected works, disputes over ownership and licensing of rights, and applications for injunctions to stop counterfeiting or the unauthorised use of a brand. As a trading and manufacturing hub with strong cross-border links, Hong Kong sees many cases with an international dimension, where rights holders based elsewhere seek to protect their interests locally.
The great majority of these actions are heard in the Court of First Instance, which has developed particular experience in intellectual property litigation and handles applications for interlocutory injunctions, delivery up and accounts of profits. Appeals proceed to the Court of Appeal and, on questions of general public importance, to the Court of Final Appeal, while some smaller claims may be pursued in the District Court. Cases frequently turn on the likelihood of confusion, the originality of a work or the validity of a registered right.
Authorities in the recent record include [2024] HKCFI 2869 on the protection and use of rights, [2024] HKCFI 1562 concerning enforcement against alleged infringers, and [2026] HKCFI 2374 on the interpretation and reach of trade mark protection. These decisions illustrate how the courts balance the exclusive rights of owners against legitimate competition and use.
Court Distribution
Across 4 courts.
Key Cases
Most-cited 60 of 65How many Intellectual Property cases are reported in Hong Kong courts?
65 reported Hong Kong judgments (1900–2026) involve Intellectual Property.
What kinds of rights does intellectual property law protect in Hong Kong?
It protects trade marks, copyright, registered designs and patents, together with the common law action of passing off. Disputes commonly involve infringement of a registered mark, copying of protected works, ownership and licensing questions, and the sale of counterfeit goods.
Which court hears intellectual property disputes?
Most intellectual property litigation is conducted in the Court of First Instance, which handles injunctions, delivery up and accounts of profits. Appeals go to the Court of Appeal and, where a question of general public importance arises, to the Court of Final Appeal. Some smaller claims are brought in the District Court.
How does a court decide whether a trade mark has been infringed?
The court considers whether the sign complained of is identical or similar to the protected mark and whether its use is likely to cause confusion among the relevant public, taking account of the goods or services and the reputation of the mark. Remedies can include an injunction, delivery up of infringing goods and an account of profits or damages.