ICCE applauds US and EU officials’ fight against illegal trade practices
July 16, 2024
The Imaging Consumables Coalition of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (ICCE) commented on the recently published Special 301 report and the EU Recommendation to Combat Counterfeiting.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has recently released its Special 301 Report on intellectual property rights. The report calls for effective measures to combat counterfeiting – which is also a key objective of ICCE’s work. Just a few weeks earlier, the European Union (EU) had adopted a new set of recommendations to further the fight against counterfeiting.
The Coalition commented: “ICCE applauds the officials in Europe and America. We share their commitment to protect consumers and honest businesses from counterfeit products.”
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 said it 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.
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,” said the Director of Intellectual Property, Canon.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Counterfeits ICCE Legislation OEM
