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Intellectual Property Protection and
Investigation Services
Anti-Counterfeiting
Operations
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The Cancer of Counterfeiting -
Victimless Crime or
Significant Fiscal Threat?
The most prevalent problem faced by the owners of
Intellectual Property is that both the consumer and authorities repeatedly view
counterfeiting as a victimless crime with an apathetic approach to enforcement.
The modern day counterfeiter is often regarded as a "harmless opportunist out
to make a few quid" however, this assumption could not be further from the
truth!
The consumer is often content to obtain items such as
counterfeit designer clothing, footwear, cosmetics, fine fragrances, jewellery,
video and audio products to name but a few at a fraction of the genuine retail
price. The catalogue of counterfeit products is almost endless. Counterfeiters
have progressed enormously from their humble back street origins where they
offered poor quality fakes from the shadows. Modern day counterfeiters offer
good quality fakes on a massive scale that are specifically designed to confuse
and deceive the consumer into believing that they are purchasing the genuine
branded item.
To effectively reduce the effect and influence of
counterfeit merchandise into the marketplace it is imperative that consumers
are well informed and alter their perception of counterfeit products. It is
naïve to believe that the counterfeiter is doing the consumer a favour by
providing quality goods that they may otherwise not be able to afford. The
usual situation is that the £100.00 bargain designer watch is actually
worth £5.00, poor quality cosmetics can frequently cause skin complains,
whilst fake vehicle parts and pharmaceuticals are such poor quality as to be
potentially lethal.
Whilst legitimate manufacturers observe stringent
hygiene and safety standards, counterfeiters have no such scruples and do not
allow matters such as hazardous components or flammable fabrics to get in the
way of profit. The infringer also has no interest in quality control or
research and development.
Counterfeiters are frequently linked to highly
organised criminal activity and with the aid of powerful embroidering and
printing machines linked to computers the infringers can reproduce virtually
any logo, mark or label in high volume. As the value of brands increase, so do
rich pickings for the counterfeiters.
Recent intelligence suggests that counterfeit
merchandise accounts for up to 10% of world trade. According to statistics
supplied by the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group counterfeiting within the
United Kingdom cost business between £4 billion and £6.6 billion
per year in lost sales.
It has also been reported that over 52% of consumers
within the UK would knowingly purchase counterfeit products. Not only does this
weaken genuine sales, but by simple association it can also destroy consumer
confidence in a brand and the company, as the counterfeit item is often
inferior and unsafe! The damage caused can have a catastrophic effect on future
direct sales, secondary sales and long term growth, as investment in research
and development is often the first casualty when profitability suffers.
Virtually all successful products at some stage will
receive attention from the counterfeiters. Clothing and footwear products in
particular have always been extremely vulnerable to counterfeiting, offering
high volume repeat sales, as each new fashion and merchandise phenomenon is
exploited. If allowed to continue unimpeded brand abuse can escalate and
ultimately devalue the company's best assets, the brand itself.
In the modern competitive marketplace protecting all
your intellectual property from abuse is essential to the long term survival of
your business. It seems clear that the future belongs to those businesses whose
plan provides equal weight to both brand marketing and brand protection. Be
prepared and monitor the market place, as soon as you discover that your
products are being copied take immediate and effective action.
Combating the Problem
The identification of component suppliers,
manufactures, importers, storage areas, distribution networks and retailers can
be complex however, at ADA Associates we have a team of dedicated professionals
who have many years of experience in successfully combating this form of
specialist enquiry. Our Intelligence Operatives, Specialist Researchers and
Expert Investigators constantly strive to remain one step ahead of the
infringer.
Through the use of discreet enquiries, proven methods
of investigation and extensive experience, we have established a track record
in identifying the source and distribution of counterfeit
merchandise.
We are experienced with all manner of anti
counterfeiting investigations from traditional back street sweatshops to
high-tech modern computerised manufacturing works. Our investigative techniques
are diverse and whether we are required to shadow a low scale street trader to
their large scale supplier, investigate cottage industries, instigate complex
pretext approaches, trade enquiries or test purchases you are assured of our
professionalism and integrity.
Frequently we are required to introduce undercover
operatives inside the suspected infringers workplace where our experienced and
fully trained investigators blend into the environment. Working quickly and
discreetly to establish the identity of the suspected infringers their
associates and networks.
Through our assured network of associated investigative
partners we are also able to offer clients on a truly global
presence.
Contact ADA Associates today
and allow our experience and knowledge protect your business, innovation and
hard work from those who seek to gain at your expense.
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