July 2024
ICCE Applauds US and EU Officials’ Fight Against Illegal Trade Practices
ICCE applauds officials in the USA and the EU taking a stance against infringements of intellectual property (illustrative picture).
US Report Highlights Dangers of Counterfeit Goods
The USTR’s Special 301 Report evaluates how well intellectual property (IP) is protected in different markets around the world. Specifically, it calls on 27 countries to strengthen IP protection and enforcement, including five countries in Europe and Africa. The USTR seeks to assist these trading partners in doing so, through increased engagement and cooperation.
ICCE welcomes this initiative, as such actions can ultimately help to protect end users and businesses from the various threats that can be posed by IP-infringing products, including counterfeits. As the Special 301 Report points out, counterfeit goods can pose great risks to end users because they are often of poor quality.
This is also true for counterfeit imaging consumables. ICCE members often see counterfeit supplies such as ink cartridges, toner cartridges, or printer ribbons that are of poor quality and prone to malfunction. The risk to users can include damage to their printing devices, leaking of ink liquid or toner powder, poor‑quality printouts, and more.
European Commission Steps Up the Fight Against Counterfeiting
In Europe, the EU Commission has meanwhile adopted its new Recommendation to Combat Counterfeiting. The bloc aims to provide greater support to stakeholders and the EU member states in the fight against counterfeiting. Among other things, the planned initiatives are intended to improve cooperation between IP holders and law enforcement authorities, while also encouraging EU members to tighten laws on serious IP crimes.
In addition, the EU Commission recommends strengthening IP protection through the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain – and it offers new tools specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bloc is also calling on member states to step up communications on counterfeiting to raise awareness and inform the public.
ICCE Applauds US and EU for Commitment to IP Protection
Government action and initiatives play a key role in the fight against counterfeiting – and ICCE commends the US and the EU for their commitment to IP protection. At ICCE, we are pleased to see such strong steps being taken to enhance IP protection and enforcement.
“We appreciate the resolute stance of the US government and the European Union, sending a strong message against IP infringement and counterfeiting. Close cooperation between the authorities and private sector stakeholders is key to combating counterfeiting. ICCE and our members are proud to provide reliable support and expert input to officials. In this way, we can help keep the markets and consumers safe.”
ICCE has been working together with government officials and law enforcement agencies for more than 25 years. A prime example is ICCE’s support for the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Providing expert input, ICCE argued for effective measures to combat counterfeiting trade and to protect consumers.
What is more, ICCE regularly supports training activities for law enforcement representatives. Thanks to the close cooperation of our members within the ICCE association, it is possible to conduct highly effective training initiatives. These sessions, which are tailored to the daily work of customs and law enforcement officials, can play an important role in helping authorities remove counterfeit imaging products from the markets and protect consumers and honest traders.