Counterfeit goods continue to be a top priority for apparel and luxury firms. While the issue has become increasingly high profile, the attention has not abated the problems brands face.
The most recent front in the fight against counterfeits focuses on consumer education, continued vigilance on the part of manufacturers to prosecute violations, and further cooperation between private industry, governmental organizations and law enforcement. A recent panel discussion conducted by WWD and an industry summit hosted by Harpers Bazaar support those ideas while the regularly appearing Legal Briefs column tracks the litigation efforts of brands to protect their intellectual property rights.
In-house general counsel from four luxury companies told WWD that consumer education and outreach were some of their top priorities this year. Ensuring that the demand for counterfeit goods is addressed alongside efforts to find and eliminate the sources is crucial they said. Among the ways to drive the anticounterfeiting message home with consumers highlighting popular themes like social and corporate responsibility can be helpful. Other important trends the panel discussed included the Internet and retail customer responsibility for the authenticity of goods they tell.
The Harpers Bazaar Anticounterfeiting Summit focused on cooperation between public and private endeavors, including government actions. Topics discussed included efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to commit dedicated personnel to anticounterfeiting efforts around the world.
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