| Committee for Intellectual Property Rights |
|
Chairman of the committee: Mr. Rory MACMILLAN (Director Government Affairs Europe, Middle East, Africa - NIKE)
The contravention of intellectual property rights is a serious crime with a direct negative effect on European business and European consumers. The European Commission’s best estimate is that the global trade in counterfeits is to the value of over 400 billion Euro, though nobody can be sure of an exact figure.
What is certain is the importance of a ‘good brand’ to any business, how long it takes to create a good brand and how quickly years of hard work can be threatened by illegal brand imitations. FESI is part of an international network raising awareness of the seriousness of IPR crime and pressing governments to act in defence of the rights of both European business and European consumers.
The IPR Committee experts work closely with the Intellectual Property Rights Unit of DG Trade to ensure that we are on top of all developments affecting the sporting goods sector, particularly in relation to Europe’s dealings with third countries and how we convince them of the necessity for effective IPR enforcement in their jurisdictions.
FESI is also aware that a substantial trade in counterfeits over the internet has developed and allows for the sale of counterfeits that customs authorities find impossible to counter. We believe that many online market places have a duty to rights holders and consumers in properly regulating trade on their sites and that substantial steps can easily be taken to ensure that both are sufficiently protected by those who enable this type of trade.
FESI works closely with several international organisations like the European Brands Association (AIM) and the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to ensure that we have a global perspective on our IPR and brand protection issues.
The IPR Committee covers:
|
