Multiple Generations Voice Concerns on World Anticounterfeiting Day

In support of World Anticounterfeiting Day, June 8, INTA has been encouraging both its members and their young adult and teenage children to voice their concerns about the proliferation and harm of counterfeit products. In a two-week social media campaign leading up to the global annual event, the Association has been sharing the thoughts of these generations, including how we must stand together to help end this global trend of counterfeit products.

INTA opted to focus this year’s event on youth, piggybacking on the “youth and entrepreneurs” theme of the 2022 World Intellectual Property Day, held on April 26, as well as complementing the Association’s year-round efforts to educate youth ages 14 to 23 through its Unreal Campaign.

As highly coveted consumers, the younger generation can play an important role in the fight against counterfeit products by understanding the value of brands and helping to raise awareness of the effects of counterfeits on consumer health, world economies, and the ability of brands to innovate.

Below, we share some of the powerful testimonials from multiple generations.

Soley Coban

Soley Coban, senior associate, Deris (Turkey), and member of INTA’s Unreal Campaign Committee
“As a teenager or young adult, your first thought may be, ‘I am just one person, how can one person affect counterfeiting?’ If only one of you were to see the risks of counterfeits and cease buying them, that is already a hit against counterfeiters. Do not forget that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and you can take the first step.”

Uzoamaka Emerole, partner, Dentons ACAS-Law (Nigeria), and member of INTA’s Anticounterfeiting Committee
“Counterfeiters have no regard for the wellbeing of humanity and the effects of counterfeits on the economy, which cannot be overemphasized. Let us collectively join hands to frustrate their activities the world over.”

Loo Wai Hoong, senior associate, Messrs. Wong Jin Nee & Teo (Malaysia), and member of INTA’s Unreal Campaign Committee
“While presenting at a school during the inaugural Unreal Campaign in Kuala Lumpur in 2019, I was amazed by the students’ eager participation and precocious minds absorbing the knowledge that we shared regarding the value of trademarks and harm that the counterfeit trade causes to us all. Their enthusiasm continues to inspire and convince me that educating the youth is key to eradicating counterfeits as they are the main agents of change for a better society.”

Ting-Yao HUANG, grade 11 student (Taiwan), son of George J. H. HUANG, Wisdom International Patent & Law Office (member of INTA’s Anticounterfeiting Committee)
“For us teenagers, buying genuine products not only means a guarantee of product quality, but also a respect and encouragement for brands. Purchasing authentic goods would inspire innovation and discourage copying and counterfeiting. We should support genuine products, because it stimulates creative output, and further protects the rights of creators and brands too.”

Aakaanksh Sharma, 21, (India), son of Eeshani Sharma, RNA Technology and IP Attorneys (INTA member)
“While you save a few bucks from purchasing counterfeit products, you destroy the entire legacy of a brand built by sheer hard work within a few seconds. Buy original or stay home!”

Paula Vazquez, sophomore at Tec de Monterrey (Mexico), daughter of Sergio Vazquez, Estrategia Juridica (INTA member)
“After experiencing how counterfeiting can dismantle and deeply impact the economy of rural textile communities in Chiapas, Mexico, I started to be interested in projects that implement more measures to protect their work. Every design they create is a symbol of their heritage, lifestyle, and everyday life. The infringement of their IP will mean that they will have no way to sustain their families and obtain profit from their designs.”

Arthur Calazans Velasco, 12, (Brazil), son of Roberta Xavier da Silveira, Calazans, Dannemann, Siemsen, Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (INTA Unreal Campaign Committee member)
“What do I know about fake goods? I know that fake items are sold for less money and have a horrible quality. Let’s say you use fake Nike shoes, the shoes might hurt your feet and also it will not last like it should. Thats why I don’t think it’s a good idea to buy fake goods!”

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.