World Anti Counterfeit Day

On 7 June, the Spanish Patents and Trademark Office (OEPM), together with ANDEMA (the Spanish National Association for Trademark Protection), commemorated World Anti Counterfeit Day in the port of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. Under the title ‘The counterfeiting phenomenon’, a number of events were held to create greater awareness among consumers.

The opening session was led by the Under-Secretary for Industry, Energy and Tourism, who stated that in 2012 Spaniards spent about 1 billion euros on counterfeit products, even though they know the negative effects of such products.

During the event, the Director General of the OEPM presented the report entitled ‘Consumer attitudes on counterfeit products’ that was drawn up by the Research Department of the Higher Council of Chambers.

Industrial Property creates wealth
The Spanish national police forces, the State Tax Office (AEAT), companies and associations of entrepreneurs and traders participated in a panel debate on the value of Industrial Property rights and the negative impact of counterfeit products on the business fabric. Specific actions being taken to fight this phenomenon were described, and commitments were made to ensure that the figures next year reflect the efforts being made.

During the afternoon session a press conference was held during which the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism stressed the importance of Industrial Property rights for creating wealth in our business fabric by promoting innovation and competitiveness among our companies.

Confiscation of five million counterfeit objects
The Special Delegate of the AEAT in the Canaries presented the most relevant data on operations performed by the Customs and Special Tax Department in 2012. The General Superintendent of Court Police and the Coronel in charge of the Las Palmas Command presented the annual figures on actions taken against crimes against Industrial Property including those of both the National Police Force and the Civil Guard. They stated that in 2012 five million counterfeit objects were confiscated, amounting to a total value of 542 million euros.

Subsequently and to close the event, in the AEAT warehouse in the port of Las Palmas a demonstration was given of procedures for intercepted goods and counterfeit products were destroyed.

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