Successful brands are being counterfeited and sold on an unprecedented scale around the globe. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, counterfeit products account for approximately 8 percent of world trade - an incredible $200 billion dollars a year. Sophisticated counterfeiting syndicates often include individuals who are connected with the brand owner.

We advocate a strategic approach to counterfeiting issues and trademark infringements. Thorough investigation and a detailed knowledge of local enforcement policies and organizations are essential to achieving success.

It is recommended that companies need to consider an integrated programme comprising of two parts :

1. Security Programme to protect the owners intellectual property including:

• Security Review
• Employee Integrity and Screening Programme
• Licensee Compliance Audit

2. A strategic programme focusing on market intelligence and enforcment.
This would involve the following steps:

• Strategic analysis of existing data to identify the supply chain from manufacturer to buyer on a global basis
• Enforcement action.

Monitoring Programmes

Combined with enforcement action it is recommended that a proactive monitoring programme be established of both e-commerce and traditional markets. This combines monitoring of company website with market surveys and product intelligence on a global basis. The information obtained will allow Hill & Associates industry experts to analyze and advise on strategic solutions.