Our UK National Central Office for the Suppression of Counterfeiting and Protected Coins (UKNCO) advises and assists UK and international counterfeit law enforcement agencies. Article 27 defines the terms «banknote» and «protected coin». This article makes it illegal to forge or counterfeit currency. In addition to British currency, it explicitly states that certain foreign coins are protected under this law, and their counterfeiting is a criminal offence, as is counterfeiting British coins. [2] The counterfeit market has changed over the past decade. High-quality counterfeit paper can be produced very quickly by experienced printers using traditional offset lithography methods. However, organized crime groups also produce digitally printed counterfeits using the latest laser or inkjet printing technologies and techniques. Offset lithographic printing remains the most serious threat; The scores are of high quality and can be produced quickly. Online piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods is a massive industry that continues to grow.
The consequences of piracy and counterfeiting harm not only intellectual property rights holders, but also a country`s economy. Pirates and counterfeits deprive fruit rights holders of their work and positive image. It also hinders innovation and investment; Companies are less likely to invest in research and development if the results are not effectively protected. The loss of revenue due to piracy and counterfeiting is estimated at hundreds of billions of euros worldwide. An effective way to combat counterfeiting and piracy is therefore of utmost importance. While there does not seem to be an easy solution to the problem of piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods, it appears that these problems consist of taking legal action and increasing public awareness. Counterfeit products cover the entire spectrum of products, from watches and handbags to auto parts, wine and medicines. They are either marketed as original items or sold openly as fakes. At best, fakes are inferior imitations of the original; In the worst case, they endanger the health and safety of the buyer. In addition to the provisions discussed above, there are several UK Government initiatives to address counterfeiting and infringement issues. There are organizations such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) that work with government trademark agencies and law enforcement agencies to engage in anti-counterfeiting efforts.
National Markets Group is leading a cross-sector initiative to combat counterfeiting as part of its Real Deal campaign, representing rights holders with the UK police, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and organisations to combat counterfeiting in physical markets, and working to raise awareness and build consumer confidence. In addition, the UKIPO Intelligence Centre coordinates information on counterfeiting and piracy activities obtained by law enforcement authorities and rights holders to disrupt the supply chain and the counterfeit trade. The Trade Marks Act 1994 has been amended and the Trade Marks Act 2019 has come into force. According to the new legislation, the law grants trademark owners the right to initiate infringement proceedings for preparatory acts. This means that trademark owners can take legal action against a person who poses a mere risk of counterfeiting, such as the manufacture of packaging labels, labels and marks of authenticity bearing a trademark used to counterfeit goods or services. This gives trademark owners enormous leeway to enforce their rights and take action even before infringement occurs. Under the new law, in addition to the introduction, trademark owners also have the power to prevent counterfeit products from entering the UK without proving that the products are necessarily placed on the UK market. The burden of proof lies with the person shipping the goods to prove that the trademark owner does not have the right to prohibit the sale in the country of destination. Comparative advertising is also explicitly included as an act of infringement if it violates the Protection of Businesses from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008.
Counterfeit products are increasingly sold and distributed online; Not just auction sites or online marketplaces Social media platforms are increasingly seen as obsolete online sales platforms. The UK government is well aware of the challenges posed by online counterfeiting in today`s world. As a result, the Government has mandated various national authorities dedicated exclusively to combating counterfeiting and assisting right holders in enforcing their rights against counterfeiters. These bodies cooperate with international anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy initiatives in order to increase the effectiveness of their work. For example, Operation Ashiko was launched by the UK government in April 2017, a joint initiative with the International Coalition Against Counterfeiting`s thug blocking programme. The aim of the programme was to create «.uk». areas used to commit intellectual property crimes. Report on anti-counterfeiting issues to a customer or company This is a previous report aimed at informing a customer or other part of a company on anti-counterfeiting issues. This could lead to detention by customs authorities under the simplified procedure provided for in Regulation (EU) No 608/2013, restrictions imposed by the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards («Trading Standards») or by the police or other discoveries of counterfeit products.
