Strategic group fights influx of counterfeit goods

ALAN PEAT
THERE IS a continuously increasing influx of fake and counterfeit goods to all countries, including SA, according to trade consultants, Deloitte & Touche.
“This makes the enforcement of intellectual property rights on a global scale a very topical issue.”
According to the intellectual property rights (IPR) strategic group created by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the total value of trade in counterfeit goods is currently estimated at US$450-billion - and representing between 5 and 7% of total global trade.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement on trade related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) also recognises the importance of identifying and addressing the issue of counterfeiting through effective border control.
“In a WCO-sanctioned meeting in Hong Kong, Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders also recently agreed to instruct ministers to accelerate progress towards the improvement of intellectual property rights facilitation, protection and enforcement in their countries,” said Deloitte & Touche.
The WCO strategic group has now developed a joint-venture with international business sponsors.
“The group will provide an overview of the global counterfeiting phenomenon from the customs perspective - and a full range of services for the exclusive benefit of member countries and the business sponsors.”