When I say “a
massive threat taken lightly” it portrays the ignorance of the people
on the hazards of counterfeiting. Counterfeits are encouraged by the consumers
both intentionally and unintentionally.
Counterfeits are nothing but
imitations of original products of famous, well –known and reputed brands.
Counterfeiters knowingly or unknowingly breach IP rights. The counterfeit
market amounts to billions of Rupees causing irreparable and enormous damage to
the original brands. The income from counterfeits is unaccounted money and a
threat to our economy. It is also imperative to educate the consumers on IP
Rights and the perils of encouraging counterfeits. Consumer awareness is very
important to curb counterfeits.
The growth and flourishing
of the counterfeit market can be predominantly attributed to the following
reasons.
Affordability of Consumer- A
consumer who is unable to afford the branded products opt for counterfeits as
they are available for less price to showcase their status among their peers.
Ignorance of Consumer-
Some consumers cannot differentiate between the original and the fake one, they
are duped. While some do not even realize that counterfeits goods involve theft
of IP.
The following measures may
be taken to improve awareness.
- Emphasizing on importance of standards
and certificates;
- Wide publicity on perils of Counterfeits
through mass media;
A complaint may be lodged
with the enforcement agencies like Video Piracy cell at Chennai, for the
offences relating to counterfeits by the affected persons.
Western countries like USA and UK have strict IPR enforcement regimes to keep a
check on counterfeits. Especially, in USA, IP rights are part of fundamental
rights; therefore it accords extensive protection unlike in our country.
India can also follow the example of USA and set up a stringent IP regime in
accordance to with our local requirements.
- Government should also come up with a
mechanism similar to the one used to differentiate between original and
fake currency notes to differentiate between fake and original goods.
- It’s important that individual
investigating agencies also take part in counterfeit investigations and
thus assist in eradicating counterfeiters.
Government,
Non-Government organizations and Judiciary should work in collaboration to
eradicate counterfeit market and illicit trade.
