THE problem of counterfeit brand-name watches in China and other Asian countries has not yet been fully tackled, according to a leading watch manufacturer.

Eric Steiner, vice-president of SMH (Hong Kong), said watch imitation was still serious in the United States and Asia - especially in China - despite the introduction of new laws to prevent unscrupulous manufacturers pirating well-known designs.

The Chinese Government announced action including copyright and corporate laws to stamp out unfair competition earlier this year.