Counterfeiting of consumer products has assumed uncomfortable local and
global dimensions in recent years. Apart from the adverse effects of cheap and
substandard imports on local industries, some dubious importers illegally
replicate well known brand names, colours and designs for their packages and
labels. These imitations and trade-offs are put on the market to unfairly
compete with well-established, branded, local or imported goods. Many
manufacturers and brand owners have complained individually in recent times
but the time has come for industry to harmonise their efforts and collectively
make some serious noises and draw attention to the adverse effect of
counterfeits on their business as well as the economy. There is a need to put in
place a National Anti-Counterfeit Group to fight the war on imitations, trade
mark infringement and other unfair trade practices. This campaign will cover
imported as well as locally produced counterfeit consumer goods which are
adversely affecting the growth of local manufacturers and brand owners and
also deny the state of needed revenues.
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