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How Hong Kong’s Legal System Protects Your Creative Works on Online Sharing Platforms

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Online sharing platforms (OSP), like YouTube and TikTok, have revolutionized the distribution of creative works. While these OSP provide unprecedented opportunities for exposure, they also present significant risks of copyright infringement. Notably, infringers have taken advantage of the borderless nature of the Internet, believing either that their actions are extraterritorial and beyond legal reach, or that copyright owners are unlikely to pursue legal action in the foreign jurisdictions where these infringers reside. Infringers who believe they can act with impunity have inflicted significant harm on copyright owners.

Where the infringement occurs on an OSP, a request may be made by the copyright owner for the removal of the infringing contents. Due to the unregistrable nature of copyright, the OSP may require copyright owners to initiate legal action as further proof of ownership. However, an OSP would usually not express on the specific jurisdiction in which such legal action should be filed.

Choosing the right jurisdiction

There are potentially three options a copyright owner may choose.

A common belief is that a copyright owner may only sue the infringer in accordance with the jurisdiction clause in the Terms and Conditions with the OSP. However, since there is no privity of contract between the owner and the infringer, the jurisdiction clause is likely to be irrelevant.

On the other hand, as copyright is territorial in nature, copyright owners are often advised to pursue legal action in the jurisdiction where the infringer is domiciled. This approach has the apparent advantage of making it difficult for the infringer to evade legal proceedings and enforcement. However, many copyright owners may hesitate to take this route due to their unfamiliarity with the specific foreign legal system, as well as the disconnect between the economic loss incurred and the forum chosen for the lawsuit. Additionally, infringers may intentionally exploit the subtle differences in copyright regimes.

Another option is to initiate legal action in the jurisdiction where the copyright owner is based or has a business presence. Traditionally, it was believed that actions taken abroad could not infringe upon local intellectual property rights, making this option seem unviable.  However, given the borderless nature of the Internet, it is increasingly accepted that the “targeting” of residents within a jurisdiction should be regarded as an act occurring within that jurisdiction. For instance, in the recent English case of Entertainment One UK Ltd & Anor v Sconnect Co Ltd & Ors [2022] EWHC 3295 (Ch), the English Court acknowledged its jurisdiction to adjudicate a dispute involving IP infringements on an OSP where the consumers in the UK were specifically targeted, even though the alleged infringer was based in Vietnam.

Once the option to sue in jurisdictions other than the infringer’s hometown becomes available, pursuing legal action in Hong Kong can be a strategic choice if the copyright owner is based in Hong Kong or if the economic value of their creative works is realized here.

Hong Kong’s advantages in safeguarding copyright

At the heart of Hong Kong’s copyright protection is the Copyright Ordinance, which extends to various forms of creative expression, including music, art, literature, and audiovisual content. This legislation grants creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display their works. Under the Copyright Ordinance, no registration is required. Hong Kong also adopts an open system which does not require the claimant to be domiciled or incorporated in Hong Kong.

Where the infringer is domiciled in another jurisdiction, the Court needs to consider whether it should extend its authority to a body outside its jurisdiction. In such case, Order 11 Rule 1(1)(f) of the Rules of the High Court provides a suitable jurisdictional gateway. This rule permits a claim based on a tort to be served on the defendant outside of the jurisdiction if the damage was sustained or resulted from an act committed within Hong Kong.

As explained, “targeting” may now be considered an act within Hong Kong. If Hong Kong customers are targeted, this may also lead to a loss incurred in Hong Kong since the Hong Kong customers may now prefer the infringing content over the infringed content. While the law requires that such loss should be “significant”, there is no requirement for the copyright owner operating in multiple jurisdictions to demonstrate that Hong Kong is the sole or primary location of those losses.

Even if the above is satisfied, the Court still has a discretionary power to decline jurisdiction, especially when there is a more appropriate forum for the specific case. In Entertainment One UK Ltd, the English Court has taken into account the following in finally accepting jurisdiction:

  • The location where the copyright was created or implemented
  • The location where the loss is primarily incurred
  • The location of relevant witnesses

Depending on the objectives of the claimant, an OSP may sometimes only require the commencement of legal action as proof of ownership. In such case, a claimant in Hong Kong may opt to file a writ without further pursuing the matter by serving the writ on the defendant. If the writ remains unserved within one year from the date of its filing, it will automatically expire without any consequences to the claimant.

Conclusion

While navigating jurisdictional complexities can sometimes be daunting, copyright owners can strategically choose where to initiate legal action based on critical factors such as the locations of the owner and the infringer, the nature of their losses, and their imminent and long-term objectives.

In particular, when the infringing act or content in question is connected to Hong Kong, the evolving interpretation of “targeting” enhances the prospects for legal redress in the region. This shift allows copyright owners to leverage local legislation more effectively, ensuring their rights are protected against infringement in this increasingly borderless world.

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.

Strategies for Managing Parallel Imports and Protecting Distribution Rights in Hong Kong

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In Hong Kong, the importation of parallel goods or unauthorized products across territory that compete with authorized distribution channels does not constitute trademark infringement.

However, an exception to the international exhaustion rule exists if the condition of parallel-imported goods has changed or been impaired after being put on the global market. In such cases, the reputation or distinctiveness of the trademark may be adversely affected (refer to Section 20(1) of the Hong Kong Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559)). This exception can pose challenges, especially in exclusive distribution relationships.

Exclusive distributors often face difficulties in enforcing their rights against parallel importers unless the products are defective or deteriorated. Moreover, legal mechanisms such as the tort of passing off may not offer adequate protection to authorized distributors, particularly when misrepresentation is hard to prove for goods originating from the original owner or overseas authorized dealer.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to include specific provisions in distribution agreements:

  • Addressing Parallel Imports:
    Distribution agreements, especially those with exclusive distributors, should empower the distributor to enforce their rights within agreed territories.
  • Intellectual Property Rights:
    Clearly define rights related to intellectual property, including designs and artwork created by the distributor, to ensure that the distributor benefits exclusively from such creations.
  • Enforcement of IP Rights:
    Define and clarify the distributor’s right to enforce intellectual property rights in case of infringement and outline associated cost and compensation.

To further protect the distributor’s interests beyond contractual agreements, the following measures may be considered:

  • Differentiation:
    Label parallel import goods distinctly from authorized products, potentially by adding the distributor’s mark to enable customers to recognize the distributor’s trademark.
  • Quality Differentiation:
    Enhance the quality of authorized goods compared to parallel imports, such as tailoring products for local or Asian markets.
  • Trademark Infringement:
    Highlight that the use of a distributor’s registered trademark by a parallel importer constitutes trademark infringement.

Depending on the nature of the goods, particularly health supplements, customers may prioritize warranties and services offered with authorized versions.

Apart from the above, there are non-legal strategies to protect and promote distributed goods, such as:

  • Digital Marketing:
    Incorporate the distributor’s link on the owner’s website to direct customers to authorized channels.
  • Customer Communication:
    Warn customers on the distributor’s website about risks associated with unauthorized purchases.
  • Customer Engagement:
    Enhance relationships through loyalty programs and personalized marketing.
  • Marketing Initiatives:
    Conduct awareness campaigns to educate customers on the benefits of purchasing from authorized distributors.

While it may be challenging to entirely eliminate parallel imports, distributors can take action by sending cease-and-desist letters to parallel importers and emphasizing their exclusive distribution rights.

Ultimately, controlling parallel imports within the agreed territories is a contractual matter that requires collaboration between distributors and owners for effective resolution.

OLN can assist distributors and trademark owners in protecting their interests against parallel imports in Hong Kong. Please contact us for more information.

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.

香港 – 內地判決相互強制執行機制系列文章

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Under the “one country two systems” principle governing the relationship between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”) and Mainland China (“PRC”), increasingly more mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments regimes have been put into place across different areas of the law. This series explores the latest developments of such regimes.

In part 1 of the series, we start with the regime that comes closest to home to individuals and companies engaged in cross-border corporate and commercial transactions: reciprocal recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments.

In subsequent parts of the series, we will explore the cross-border enforcement of judgments in arbitration, insolvency/bankruptcy, and matrimonial proceedings.

Part 1: Update on Reciprocal Enforcement of Civil and Commercial Judgments

It has almost been a year since the Mainland Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance (Cap 645) (the “New Regime”) came into force, superseding the Mainland Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance (Cap 597) (the “MJREO”) which only applies to PRC judgments rendered before 29 January 2024. This article serves as a refresher on the differences between the New Regime and the MJREO, then explores how the HKSAR Courts have interpreted or will likely interpret the more liberal approach offered by the New Regime.

The Basics

Here is a chart comparing the more stringent criteria under the MJREO and the more relaxed requirements under the New Regime.

RequirementMJREONew Regime 
1. PRC Court giving the judgment must be:– the Supreme People’s Court;
– a Higher People’s Court;
– an Intermediate People’s Court;
– a recognized Primary People’s Court, i.e. the Courts listed in Schedule 1 of the MJREO.		any PRC Court
2. Nature of Judgment capable of being recognizedmonetary judgments only– monetary and non-monetary judgments that are civil and commercial in nature;
– declaratory relief;
– orders for specific performance;
– orders for compensation and damages arising from criminal proceedings;
– intellectual property judgments  

included judgments: given in proceedings brought in respect of:
– a copyright or related right; – a trade mark;
– a geographical indication; 
– an industrial design;
– a patent;
– a lay-out design (topography) of integrated circuit;
– a right to protect undisclosed information;
– a right enjoyed by a person in respect of a new plant variety under Article 123 of the Civil Code of the PRC or under the Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance (Cap 490)  

excluded judgments:
– given in a tortious dispute over an infringement of an invention patent or utility model patent;
– given for a determination of the license fee rate of a standard-essential patent.
3. Other excluded judgments (besides those relating to intellectual property rights – see 2 above)– Judgments in insolvency, debt restructuring, and bankruptcy cases (there is separate legislation dealing with the recognition/enforcement of judgments in insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, to be discussed in another part of the series);
– Judgments in certain arbitration matters (concerning the validity of arbitration agreements, setting aside arbitral awards and for recognition/enforcement of PRC arbitral awards) (there is separate legislation dealing with the recognition/enforcement of arbitral awards, to be discussed in another part of the series);
– anti-suit injunctions;
– interim relief (e.g. interlocutory injunctions);
– judgments in matrimonial cases (there is separate legislation dealing with the recognition/enforcement of judgments given in matrimonial cases, to be discussed in another part of the series);
– judgments concerning the administration or distribution of estates;
– judgments in certain maritime cases;
– judgments in certain administrative cases.		Same.
4. Finality of judgment– the judgment was given by the Supreme People’s Court;
– the judgment was a judgment of the first instance given by a Higher People’s Court, an Intermediate People’s Court or a recognized Primary People’s Court, and no appeal is allowed or the appeal period under PRC law has expired;
– the judgment was a judgment of the second instance (unless the judgment was given by a recognized Primary Court);
– the judgment was given in a retrial by a Court higher in level than the Court whose judgment gave rise to the retrial.
– Deemed final if the PRC Court issues a certificate certifying that the judgment is final and enforceable in the PRC (can be proven to be otherwise).		Same – basically if the judgment was given by the Supreme People’s Court or the appeal period has expired and the case is not under a retrial, it is considered final.
5. Exclusive Jurisdiction Clause (or Choice of PRC Court Agreement)Parties must have agreed in writing that disputes arising from the underlying contractual documents shall be resolved exclusively in the PRC Courts.The dispute resolution clause written in the underlying contractual documents can provide for the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the PRC Court.
6. Actual jurisdiction to decide the case and enforceability in the PRCThe PRC Court must have actual jurisdiction to hear the case:
– Defendant must have an actual or a representative presence in the PRC Court accepted the proceedings.
– The PRC must be the place where the infringing conduct took place (e.g. breach of the disputed contract, committal of a tortious act).
– An actual connection exists between the dispute and the PRC.  

The judgment must also be enforceable in the PRC.		Same.
7. Grounds to set aside registrationBreach of procedural fairness and natural justice principles, e.g. defendant was not given a reasonable opportunity to be heard, defendant was not given notice.  

Manifestly incompatible with the public policy of HKSAR.  

Registered judgment was obtained by fraud.  

Case was accepted by the PRC Court after proceedings in respect of the same cause of action between the same parties were commenced in the HKSAR.  

A HKSAR Court has already given judgment on the same cause of action between the same parties and the judgment has already been recognized/enforced in HKSAR.		Same.

Impact of the New Regime and how the HKSAR Courts have interpreted its more liberal requirements

As the plaintiff’s registration application to the HKSAR Court is done on an ex parte basis, i.e. without the need to notify the defendant, only those cases in which the defendant challenged the Registration Order (by way of an application to set aside) will be reported. Making the landscape more uncertain is the fact that the vast majority of reported cases deal with the MJREO (the New Regime has come into existence for less than a year).

However, certain cases recently decided under the MJREO indicate that certain restrictions under the MJREO will continue to pose a problem for plaintiffs seeking registration under the new regime.

Challenging the dispute resolution clause in favour of the PRC Court vs challenging the underlying merits of PRC Judgment

The decision of the High Court (Court of First Instance) in 信达澳亚基金管理有限公司 v 宜华生科技股份有限公司  [2024] HKCFI 1957 (date of decision: 30 July 2024) demonstrates that although the merits of the underlying claim as decided by the PRC Court are not allowed to be questioned by the HKSAR Court, in considering whether a jurisdiction clause in favour of the PRC Court exists, the HKSAR Court will indirectly look into the “merits of the claim” in certain circumstances.

In this case, the Plaintiff purchased corporate bonds from the plaintiff company and the transaction was governed by a set of contractual documents: (a) a bond document issued to the investing public (募集说明书); (b) a bond trustee agreement entered into between the Plaintiff company and the trustee (受托管理协议); and (c) Rules of Bondholders’ Meetings. Besides the 1st Defendant, the rest of the Defendants (the 2nd to 5th Defendants) acted as guarantors. The PRC Court issued a judgment pinning liability on all the guarantor Defendants.

Upon engaging in a detailed analysis of the contractual framework, the HKSAR Court decided that the clause relied upon by the Plaintiff as the clause providing jurisdiction to the PRC Court derived from the bond trustee agreement but since the Plaintiff was not a party to the agreement, the Plaintiff should not be allowed to benefit from the jurisdiction clause, leaving the Plaintiff with no jurisdiction clause to rely upon and one of the key requirements of the MJREO unsatisfied. Further, the Court interpreted the contractual framework as conferring status solely on the trustee to sue the Plaintiff only AFTER due authorization has been obtained in bondholders’ meetings.

This case is a good reminder that in certain circumstances, the HKSAR Courts, in assessing whether certain requirements for recognition have been met, will indirectly look into the underlying merits of the case as part of the exercise of assessing if the “apparently-technical” requirements have been met.

As the exclusivity requirement is not in contention in the action, the decision serves as a precedent for cases decided under the New Regime (which does not require exclusivity of jurisdiction but does require that there be a clear jurisdiction clause naming the PRC Courts as the forum for dispute resolution).

What constitutes a final judgment and the treatment of PRC enforcement judgments (执行令)

It is common for plaintiffs in the PRC to seek an enforcement order (执行令) upon the rendering of a judgment granting damages and unlike in the HKSAR, the enforcement order is assigned a different case number. In some cases, plaintiffs will sue the borrower, obtain judgment against the borrower only, then start enforcement actions against both the borrower and the guarantor when the guarantor was never made a defendant in the original action.

Beware that the enforcement action has fully completed against the borrower before applying for registration of the judgment in the HKSAR Courts against the guarantor.

In 湖州升帮金融服務有限公司 v 杭邑生活科技股份有限公司 [2024] HKCFI 1464 (date of decision: 13 June 2024), the HKSAR Court set aside the Registration Order made against a guarantor not only on the basis that the judgment does not name a fixed or liquidated sum, but also because the enforcement process against the borrowers has not yet completed, and therefore the judgment is not considered to be of a final nature.

There are some cases where in the PRC enforcement proceedings, the PRC plaintiff joins the shareholder or a subsidiary of the defendant as a party. Under HKSAR law, this act would be a violation of the principle that the corporate veil cannot be pierced, i.e. the shareholder is a separate legal entity that is distinct and separate from the company held. The author questions whether the enforcement order granted by the PRC Court in this situation will be considered a “judgment” under the MJREO or the New Regime because in the HKSAR, one form of enforcement order is the garnishee order which is not considered to be a judgment (let alone a money judgment under the MJREO)[1]. Further, would piercing the corporate veil in this manner be contrary to public policy, making the judgment liable to be set aside?

Difficulty in proving exclusivity of jurisdiction

Although the New Regime does not require the presence of a clause in the contractual document giving jurisdiction to the PRC Court to resolve disputes exclusively, it does require clear language granting jurisdiction even if it is not exclusive. In Beijing Renji Real Estate Development Group Co Ltd v Zhu Min [2022] HKCFI 1027, much time and fees of expert witnesses were spent interpreting the following clause:

“Disputes arising from the performance of this agreement by the partners shall be resolved through negotiation. Where the partners are unwilling to resolve the disputes through negotiation or a consensus fails to be reached through negotiation, a lawsuit may be filed in the People’s Court where this contract is signed in accordance with the law.” [emphasis added]

「各合夥人履行本協議所發生的事蹟，應通過協商解決。合夥人不願通過協商解決或者通過協商不能達成一致意見的，可依法向本合同簽署地人民法院起訴。」

In the end, the HKSAR Court decided that the word, “may” (可) is permissive and does not confer exclusivity. This case serves as a reminder to contractual parties to seek legal advice on the wording of the dispute resolution/jurisdiction clause in the contract if the option of enforcing a judgment across the border is important.

Litigation is becoming increasingly complex due to the growing number of cross-border transactions and the vastly different legal systems in place in each jurisdiction. When in doubt, whether at the contract-signing stage or when a dispute arises, please seek the assistance of a legal professional.

If you would like our assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Disputes Partner, Eunice Chiu, for a confidential discussion (+852 9169 4356 / +852 2186 1885).

[1] See 吳仲程 v 梁耀 [2016] HKEC 400 (CFI) (date of judgment: 16 February 2016) where despite the presence of an enforcement order in the PRC, the Plaintiff sought to register only the original judgment.

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.

如果我們對立遺囑人的精神行爲能力存疑，應對方式爲何？

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背景

在上一篇文章中, 確保立遺囑人的精神行爲能力，我們探討確保年長或體弱的立遺囑者的精神行爲能力的重要性。然而，如果我們對立遺囑人的精神行爲能力存疑，我們應如何處理？

實際的應對方式

如果你的律師對你的精神行爲能力有所顧慮或懷疑，一般而言，實際的處理方法為安排醫生進行評估。雖然沒有嚴格規定受委託的醫生需為診斷或治療精神障礙的專科醫生，受託的醫生也不需為《精神健康條例》（第136章）中第2(2)條 所指的認可醫生，，我們仍然建議聘請精神科專科醫生或專家，以進行全面的評估。

一般而言，精神科醫生會考慮以下各個層面：[1]

１. 理解能力

你能否理解有關你所作出決定的資訊，包括：

  • 遺囑的性質和目的
  • 訂立遺囑的好處和風險
  • 不訂立遺囑的潛在後果
  • 其他替代方案及其風險與利益

２. 信息保留能力

你能否將資訊保留足夠長的時間以作出有效的決策？

３. 相信能力

你能否相信自己所獲得的資訊，並將其應用於自身情況？

４. 權衡能力

你能否權衡所有相關因素（風險、利益、短期結果和長期結果）並作出決策？

５. 表達能力

你能否透過言語或非言語方式清晰地表達你的決策？

如果精神科醫生認為立遺囑者具備所需的精神行爲能力，一般的建議做法為遵守「黃金定律」（Golden Rule），即委托精神科醫生同時成爲你遺囑的見證人，見證簽署。

本行如何提供協助？

我們提供有關起草遺囑的初步諮詢服務。我們的律師在評估立遺囑者是否具有必要的精神行爲能力的事務上， 擁有豐富經驗。如對精神行爲能力存疑，我們可安排精神科專科醫生協助進行評估，以確定客戶的神智能力。如 閣下對上述事宜有任何疑問，請聯絡我們的合夥人林雋溢先生或律師袁向凡先生。

[1] 洪秉基醫生，《Framework for clinical assessment of mental capacity in older adults》 (香港按揭證券有限公司，2013年7月28日講座有關資料)，取自香港按揭證券有限公司官方網站：https://www.hkmc.com.hk/files/page/82/2.%20Framework%20for%20clinical%
20assessment%20of%20mental%20capacity%20in%20older%20adults%20%20Dr.%20Gabriel%20Hung.pdf，2015年1月3日。

免責聲明：本文僅供參考。本文中的任何內容均不得詮釋為香港法律建議或向任何人提供的任何與此相關的法律建議。對於任何人因本文所含的内容而造成的任何損失和/或損害，高李嚴律師行不承擔任何責任。

確保立遺囑人的精神行爲能力

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背景

人口老化已經成為許多都市面臨的一大挑戰。與英國和日本等已發展經濟體類似，香港亦面臨嚴重的人口老化問題。香港的人口老化的趨勢預計將持續，並且到2046年[1]，人口的年齡中位數將達到55.5歲。

因此，許多人對生死議題的討論變得更加開放，包括草擬遺囑和進行遺產規劃。在你指示律師準備遺囑之前，你必須知道只有在具備立遺囑所需的精神行爲能力的情況下，訂立的遺囑才算有效。

然而，究竟何為立遺囑所需的精神行爲能力？如何進行相關的評估工作？

評估立遺囑所需的精神行爲能力

英國案件 Banks v Goodfellow[2] 定出的法律原則，釐定立遺囑所需的精神行爲能力的標準，並同樣適用於香港。在進行精神行爲能力的評估時，作為立遺囑者，你必須具備以下三者：

  • 了解訂立遺囑的行為性質及其影響；
  • 知悉被處置的財產的範圍；及
  • 明白你的指示。

在 Re Estate of Au Kong Tim (Wills: Validity)[3] 一案中，香港上訴法院強調律師遵循此三部測試的重要性，並提及著作《Assessment of Mental Capacity. A Practical Guide for Doctors and Lawyers》中，列出評估立遺囑所需的精神行爲能力的清單（下稱「清單」）。

清單

根據清單，三部測試包含以下數點：

1. 了解訂立遺囑的性質及其影響：

你應該明白：

  • 你將會去世
  • 你的遺囑將在你去世時生效，而在你去世前遺囑並不會生效
  • 在具備精神行爲能力的前提下，你可以在去世前隨時更改或撤銷已訂立的遺囑

2. 知悉被處置的財產的範圍：

你應了解並作出以下選擇：

  • 指定遺囑執行人（同時最好說明為何選擇他們）
  • 決定每位受益人所獲得的財產
  • 受益人的贈與是為無前設的贈與或有條件的贈與（例如，受益人獲得一筆過贈與，或被允許在其生前使用留下的住宅物業）。
  • 如果你在生前耗盡財產或售出物業，受益人可能會因此蒙受損失
  • 受益人可能比你先行離世
  • 你是否已經簽訂遺囑，如有，則新遺囑與舊遺囑之間的不同之處及其原因

3. 明白遺囑的指示：

法官在 Banks v Goodfellow 案中使用了Extent（程度）一詞而非value（價值）。若資產由他人管理且缺乏最近的投資報告或估值研究，評估精神行爲能力的過程可能變得困難。

在這種情況下，你的律師應對你提供有關財產的程度，進行合理的評估以及考核。

你應該了解：

  • 你所有個人單獨擁有財產的程度與範圍
  • 在你離世時，聯權共有的財產（俗稱長命契）一般會自動轉移給其他尚存的共同擁有者，不論遺囑如何指定此類財產的分配
  • 在你離世時，是否存在不受遺囑條款影響的合約得益和福利（如保險單、某類養老金等）。
  • 在你有生之年，你的財產的程度與範圍可能會發生變化

4. 他人的利益和潛在申索：

你應該清楚知道你所作出的指示和意願。作為立遺囑者，即使你的指示和意願可能會被他人視作存有偏頗，但你亦有權忽略他人看法。你亦必須能夠說明個人的偏好以及排除某些受益人的理由。例如，某些的受益人：

  • 可能已經從你身上獲得足夠的供養和贈與
  • 可能經濟條件比其他人優越
  • 可能比其他人對你更細心或作出更多照料
  • 可能因為年齡、身體或精神行爲能力而更需要協助

本行如何提供協助？

我們提供有關起草遺囑的初步諮詢服務，以及提供評估精神行爲能力的有關服務。我們的律師在評估立遺囑者是否具備必要的精神行爲能力擁有豐富的經驗。如精神行爲能力存疑，本行可安排精神科的專科醫生協助進行評估，以確保客戶具備所需的精神行爲能力。如 閣下對上述事宜有任何疑問，請聯絡我們的合夥人林雋溢先生或律師袁向凡先生。

[1] Yiu, William and Ng, Kang-Chung, “Hong Kong going grey faster than expected, sparking fears over healthcare, calls for new retirement policies” （《南華早報》，2023年8月17日），可於以下網址獲得: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3231335/hong-kong-going-grey-faster-expected-sparking-fears-over-healthcare-calls-new-retirement-policies, 索取日期為 2025年 1 月 8 日。

[2] (1870) LR 5 QB 549.

[3] [2018] 2 HKLRD 864.

免責聲明：本文僅供參考。本文中的任何內容均不得詮釋為香港法律建議或向任何人提供的任何與此相關的法律建議。對於任何人因本文所含的内容而造成的任何損失和/或損害，高李嚴律師行不承擔任何責任。

凍卵：世界各地卵母細胞冷凍保存的法律現況

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(這篇文章發表在 2025年一月香港律師會會刊)

冷凍卵子在後疫情時代已成為主流。在疫情期間，婚禮與懷孕都被推遲，這對數百萬正值生育年齡的婦女而言尤其重要。美國國家醫學圖書館的一份報告指出，女性在出生後，一生中只能生產約一至二百萬個卵母細胞（未成熟卵子）。當女性年屆 51 歲（更年期的平均年齡）時，卵子的品質和數量都會下降，大約只剩下一千個卵子。在生育的黃金時期凍結優質的卵子以備日後使用，今時今日被認為是在未完全準備好懷孕和生育時實際可行的方法。

一些美國公司十多年前已開始提供冷凍卵子作為員工福利。《衛報》早在 2014 年就報導，矽谷公司為了吸引和留住頂尖女性人才，為員工支付冷凍卵子的費用。耶魯大學在2018年發表的一項有關冷凍卵子的研究發現，85% 的女性都是單身，其中許多人表示沒有合適的伴侶。婦女可能尚未準備好懷孕或生育的原因眾多，包括事業抱負、家庭狀況、經濟考量、個人環境和健康狀況。

因健康狀況以外的原因而冷凍卵子，稱為一般「社會原因」冷凍卵子。

司法管轄區的差異與法律考量

並非每個司法管轄區都容許因社會原因（即非健康狀況）進行卵母細胞冷凍（凍卵）而不受限制。以下是一些司法管轄區的法律狀況回顧：

澳洲為冷凍卵子提供自由的法律制度，容許基於社會原因進行凍卵。事實上，在 1984年，澳洲是第一個利用冷凍卵子生下嬰兒的國家。雖然沒有特定的年齡限制，但鼓勵婦女在 35 歲之前冷凍卵子，以提高日後生產的成功率。儲存年限取決於各州的法律，在新南威爾士州和維多利亞州一般為 10 年。維多利亞州的《2008 年輔助生殖治療法案》（第31A 條）允許其患者審查小組在有合理理由或小組認為有特殊情況時，延長卵子和精子的 10 年儲存期限。《1991 年人類生殖科技法》也規定西澳洲的儲存期限為 10 年，若有「特殊理由」則允許延長。費用也因州而異，但有些健康保險計劃可能會承保部分費用。

在加拿大，《輔助人類生殖法案》規範輔助人類生殖技術，其中包括卵子冷凍。加拿大衛生部的精子和卵子安全法規指導文件允許卵子儲存長達 10 年。儘管有些診所不向非加拿大公民提供服務，但對年齡或婚姻狀況沒有限制。社會原因冷凍卵子（稱為選擇性冷凍卵子）不在政府醫療保健的承保範圍內。

法國最近才透過法國《公共衛生法》第 L2141條，容許所有29至37歲的婦女進行社會原因冷凍卵子，不論其婚姻狀況或性取向。儘管這項自由化措施容許婦女在生育選擇上有更多自主權，但批評者譴責現實情況，因為冷凍卵子在私人領域是被禁止的，而且在公共衛生系統中，光是初次預約醫生就可能需要等待超過兩年，這實際上剝奪了 35 歲以上婦女冷凍卵子的權利，儘管《世界報》在 2022 年報導，法國每四對育齡夫婦中就有一對有不孕不育問題。

在香港特別行政區，冷凍卵子沒有年齡限制；然而，根據《生殖科技及胚胎研究實務守則》，婦女必須已合法結婚，才能使用體外授精技術令卵子受精。由於香港尚未在法律上承認同性婚姻，同性婚姻中的婦女和單身婦女無法獲得冷凍卵子後的服務從而懷孕生產。《人類生殖科技條例》成立了人類生殖科技管理局，負責監督現已過時的 2002 年實務守則。冷凍卵子最長可儲存 10 年，由於卵子品質下降，建議婦女在 35 歲前冷凍卵子，此儲存限制試圖將潛在懷孕的年齡限制在 45 歲。這個法律框架說明香港限制性的婚姻法和生育權之間的複雜關係。

愛爾蘭的《2024 年健康（輔助人類生殖）法》已於 2024 年 7 月 2 日該國的總統簽署。儘管冷凍卵子必須由私人出資，但對社會原因冷凍卵子並無限制。當醫療治療影響到生育能力時，公共醫療保健可能會支付冷凍卵子的費用。卵子最長可儲存 10 年，之後若要延長儲存期限，必須重新取得同意。輔助人類生殖管理局有權考慮和決定延長儲存期限的申請。

2023 年， 新加坡的《2020 年保健服務法》管理輔助生殖服務，根據《2023年保健服務（輔助生殖服務）規例》，出於社會原因冷凍卵子自由，但僅限於 21 歲至 38 歲以下的婦女。然而，若非因社會原因而進行冷凍卵子，則婦女必須已合法結婚，且其丈夫必須同意該程序，這代表了非常保守的社會價值觀。社會原因冷凍卵子並不包括在該國的Medisave（所有有工作的公民和永久居民都要供款的強制性醫療儲蓄帳戶）中，但其他生殖服務可能包括在內。

自 2006 年起，西班牙對生殖技術採取漸進式的處理方式。第 14/2006號《輔助生育技術法》允許因社會原因冷凍卵子，無年齡限制，無時間限制。該法律框架支持婦女作出生育選擇的權利，使西班牙成為歐洲最熱門的凍卵目的地之一。但是，社會原因冷凍卵子並不包括在政府醫療保健系統的範圍內，必須由私人出資。

在英國，婦女可以基於社會原因冷凍她們的卵子。《1990 年人類受精與胚胎學法案》規範這種做法，婦女可將卵子儲存長達 10 年，並可每隔 10年更新同意書，最長可儲存55年。雖然沒有特定的年齡限制，但英國的人類受精與胚胎學管理局建議 38歲以下的婦女一般可以冷凍 7至 14 個卵子。然而，獲得公共資金冷凍卵子的機會只保留給面對可能影響生育能力治療的人，英格蘭、北愛爾蘭、蘇格蘭和威爾斯之間的標準各不相同。社會原因凍卵必須由私人出資，而且不受任何價格規定的限制。

在美國，每個州各自規管冷凍卵子。在紐約州，自由的法律允許因社會原因冷凍卵子，無年齡限制，無婚姻狀況限制。根據俗稱的「試管嬰兒法」，保險公司必須依法承保冷凍卵子（以及冷凍卵子後的三個試管嬰兒週期）。

其他考慮

成本可能是決定冷凍卵子的重要因素。整個過程（從最初的諮詢到治療前的測試、刺激卵巢、觸發注射、監測、卵母細胞擷取、卵母細胞評估到冷凍保存，再加上隨後的儲存費用）通常非常昂貴。財務負擔可能相當大，而且在許多司法管轄區（甚或大多數），社會原因凍卵不在公共醫療保健的承保範圍之內，也不在私人保險計劃的償付範圍之內。為了在成本低、安全標準高且卵母細胞解凍成功率高的地區進行手術，越來越多人選擇地點。

總結

冷凍卵子的法律問題在不同司法管轄區有很大差異，應該引導婦女決定何時何地進行冷凍卵子手術。了解這些差異以及其他重要因素，如成本、臨床成功率、可用的支持系統和正在進行的輔助生殖技術服務（如體外受精、代孕）的可及性，包括監管它們的具體法律至關重要。全面了解這些因素，對考慮以凍卵作為其生育計劃的人來說，是非常重要的。

免責聲明：本文僅供參考。本文中的任何內容均不得詮釋為香港法律建議或向任何人提供的任何與此相關的法律建議。對於任何人因本文所含的内容而造成的任何損失和/或損害，高李嚴律師行不承擔任何責任。