The Hong Kong government has launched the "IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) Scout Badge" to promote respect of intellectual property among youngsters.

The government announced Wednesday that Boy Scouts qualify for the badge by attending seminars and other activities on the topic. The program will initially target scouts between 11 and 16 years old.

"It is a long-term process which involves continuous training of scout members throughout their formative years," Stephen Selby, director of the government's intellectual property department, said in the statement.

Officials have promised to step up copyright protection efforts in Hong Kong, which is known for its fake luxury goods and illegally copied music and films.