The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) has published their Annual Report 2016. Alison Statham, Director General for the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) called on Government, local authorities and enforcement bodies to focus on preventing the sale of counterfeit goods, as the trade in fake products escalates year-on-year.
On the day of the publication of the 2016 Annual Report for ACG, Statham highlighted just some of the areas that are fundamental to tackle counterfeiting and piracy. She explained:
“In this time of change and uncertainty we have a real opportunity to focus more effort and budget on getting the fundamentals right; from raising awareness to protect consumers from fake and dangerous goods to developing a national, multi-partner intellectual property (IP) enforcement body”.
Alison added: “Despite the Government’s clear vision in protecting creativity and supporting innovation, international trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is growing year-on-year, estimated to be worth £250 Billion. ”The Government has to strengthen its approach to IP enforcement and develop a national, multi-partner IP enforcement body to centralise expertise and intelligence, focusing equally on physical and online environments”.
About the ACG Annual Report
The document highlights the main areas of work for ACG over the last twelve months, which have included: playing a key role in advising policymakers on plans, regulations and strategies to improve protection and enforcement; supporting enforcement partners in the use of alternative procedures and legislation; working alongside HM Customs and Border Force in joint-intensification exercises; and seizing more than 200,000 counterfeit goods worth £5 million.
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Source: Press Release by The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG)
