On September 26, 2008, the European Council adopted a resolution introduced by the French EU Presidency to establish a European Observatory on Counterfeiting intended to measure and analyze the rising counterfeiting and piracy problem in Europe. According to a press release from the International Chamber of Commerce, the goals of the Observatory, set to meet twice a year, will be:
- To develop an annual report identifying the primary sources of counterfeiting and piracy in Europe, the primary countries used for transit of counterfeit goods, and the internet sites found to be selling counterfeit products into Europe;
- Examine the efficiency of each EU member country's policy in enforcing intellectual property rights;
- Develop tools to enable effective communication and cooperation between customs officials and brand owners; and
- Educate the public about counterfeiting and piracy
The Observatory will bring together European public and private sector leaders to share intelligence and help build key partnerships between enforcers and industry, improve coordination between member states, and build a robust legal framework with "zero-tolerance" approach to counterfeiting. In addition, it plans to work with personnel in the tourism industry to publicize the dangers associated with purchasing fake goods while abroad.
Vol. 53, June 2010