SPTO anti-counterfeiting measures
Over recent months, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) has taken a number of actions in the fight against counterfeiting. This is a serious phenomenon that affects the most strategic sectors of our industry, leading to job destruction and, consequently, to impoverishment of the Spanish economy. It has been proved that there are connections between the counterfeiting business, organised crime, mafias and money laundering. The study published by the SPTO on 'Consumers’ attitudes to counterfeit' goods reveals that Spaniards spend about one billion euros a year on counterfeit goods.
The actions taken, in collaboration with the National Association for the Defence of Trademarks (ANDEMA), include the launch of a new web site http://yosoyoriginal.es/ which aims to stress the problems involved in counterfeiting and to propose solutions and viral campaigns to make consumers aware of the consequences of purchasing counterfeit goods. This space will collect any news items generated over the three years of life of the ‘Yo Soy Original’ profiles in Twitter and Facebook.
By looking back in this way, focus will be placed on the excellent work being done and the successes achieved by the Police Force and the Tax Office Customs Department. News will also be given on the counterfeiting phenomenon and on campaigns adopted in other countries in relation to this problem which, unfortunately, now forms part of everyday life.
Recognition to the Police and Security Forces
In connection with the work of the Police Force referred to above, on 23 July last, 25 police officers were decorated with the Order of Civil Merit for their work in protecting Industrial Property rights.
These decorations amount to recognition of the excellent work being done by the State Security Forces in the fight against the counterfeiting phenomenon and on protecting Industrial Property rights. The granting of these medals was promoted by the SPTO.
In today’s society, counterfeiting is considered a problem of minor importance, a crime without victims that only affects well-known brands and does no real damage. This social perception is not only wrong but also covers up other crimes and evils that are much more serious for society. If citizens knew what really lies behind counterfeiting, they would think twice about purchasing counterfeit goods.
To see photos from the event, click here.
