Virtual Series Eyes Anticounterfeiting in India During COVID-19

INTA and the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in India recently held a virtual dialogue series on anticounterfeiting awareness and enforcement in light of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Structured as a three-part series, held throughout June, each part of the dialogue focused on the perspective of different stakeholders: brand owners (part one), online marketplaces (part two), and intellectual property (IP) practitioners (part three).

In part one, Karan Thapar, Deputy Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, emphasized the importance of creating a robust anticounterfeiting ecosystem in line with the National IPR policy.

Speakers from the pharmaceutical, fast-moving consumer goods, and consumer goods industries highlighted the importance of adapting brand protection strategies to new trends in the marketplace, especially during COVID-19.

The second session drew attention to the need for stronger collaboration between e-commerce platforms and brand owners to ensure customer protection.

Then, in the final part of the series, local IP practitioners exchanged experiences on how their practices have changed during COVID-19, from advocating before the judiciary in a virtual setting, to looking at how courts have responded to legal remedies against counterfeiters. Speakers also discussed the use of new technology to replace pre-COVID-19 techniques, particularly for enforcement agencies.

INTA’s Anticounterfeiting Committee-South Asia Subcommittee project team and CIPAM helped organize the timely dialogue series.

In the past, INTA has collaborated with CIPAM on a successful IP awareness and education campaign for school children at a pan-India level. INTA and its members also continue to participate in CIPAM’s awareness programs and trainings for various stakeholders, including customs and police.