Trust vital to fight counterfeit goods

Market watch officers test quality of alcohol. In the first half of the year, market management agencies nationwide resolved 2,539 violations relating to fake goods and intellectual property rights, collecting fines of VND59.7 billion, 64 per cent higher than the whole of last year. -- VNA/VNS PHoto Bach Hue

Le The Bao, chairman of the Viet Nam Association for Anti-counterfeiting and Trademark Protection (VATAP) told a workshop held in Ha Noi on August 26 that management agencies had sometimes not thoroughly resolved counterfeit good discoveries and violations of intellectual property rights.

"It can be seen that fake goods and violations of intellectual property rights have become a global issue, affecting benefits to businesses and customers' health," Bao said.

Sharing these ideas, Nguyen Thi Phi Nga, a lawyer from Hogan Lovells International LLP Company said information transparency in resolving the violations has been a key issue in improving effective co-operation between authorities and firms in fighting counterfeit goods.

Nga said the fight against fake goods could be effective if businesses were ready to provide information in a timely manner and received information from management agencies on processes to resolve violations and punishments. "In reality, firms received little information on the process, especially about the fine mechanism. This has reduced their trust in the fight against counterfeit goods," she added.

In the first half of the year, market watch agencies nationwide resolved 2,539 violations relating to fake goods and intellectual property rights, collecting fines of VND59.7 billion, 64 per cent higher than the whole of last year. However, the number is modest in comparison with reality.

A representative from Ha Noi's market watch department said the legal document system has seen overlapping or even conflicting regulations that makes loopholes that allow for the existence of fake goods and intellectual property violations.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said the fight against counterfeit goods could not be successful if there is no active participation by business and society. Hả affirmed that market management agencies would always support firms to protect their rights and benefits, and to create a healthy and fair business environment.

"The Government should implement drastic measures to resolve the issue. Especially, management agencies should clarify loopholes allowing violations and review the legal system to better fight against counterfeit goods," he added.