Commercial Information Circulars

24-hour hotline : 23 922 922

e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk

Ref : CR EIC 111/2/5

24 November 2011

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 740/2011

US : Unfair Competition Act of Washington State

The US State of Washington passed an Act relating to the unfair competition, which took effect from 22 July 2011. The Act defined unfair competition, added a new chapter to business regulations - miscellaneous, Title 19 of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and prescribed the penalties. The Act is available at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202011/1495-S.SL.pdf.

DETAILS

2. Unfair competition occurs when stolen or misappropriated information technology is used to manufacture products sold or offered for sale. Stolen or misappropriated information technology means hardware or software that any person who manufactures an article or product acquired, appropriated, or used without the authorization of the owner of the information technology or the owner's authorized licensee in violation of applicable law, but does not include situations in which the hardware or software alleged to have been stolen or misappropriated was not available for retail purchase on a stand-alone basis at or before the time it was acquired, appropriated, or used by such a person.

3. Any person who engages in an unfair act, or any articles or products manufactured by the person in violation of the prescribed section of the Act, is subject to liabilities and remedial provisions.

ENQUIRIES

4. For enquiries concerning this circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5403.

Yours faithfully,

(Ms Cindy CHENG)
for Director-General of Trade and Industry



Note :

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance placed on the same.