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home :: documents >> Jan. 2008
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2008-01-16 |
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[Cover Story]IP Protection 2008 |
It is a privilege for the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea’s Intellectual Property Rights Committee to introduce the first edition of the IPR E-Newsletter for the year 2008. Recognizing that the protection of IPR is vital to sound economies and the health and safety of consumers, the EUCCK IPR Committee will continue to lead the European Business Community in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.
Today, every sector in our economy where creativity, innovation and invention drive the creation of economic value and of high-wage jobs, is at risk of IPR violation. Unfortunately though, counterfeiting and piracy is often downplayed as a petty crime. There were 75,238 total crackdowns against IPR violations resulting in 1328 arrests from January to October 2007, which is a 22.5% increase in the number of crackdowns compared to the same period of last year - 61,409 (Source: Supreme Prosecutors Office). Though it is primarily attributable to the stricter control, the continuous and enormous amount of inflows and distribution of counterfeit goods in Korea surely contributed to the rise in the number of crackdowns.
Counterfeiting and piracy does not only promote unfair competition, which abate billions yearly from the circle of economic development that IP produces, but we are most of all concerned over the risks posed on consumers from unsafe counterfeit products.
We at the EUCCK IPR Committee believe that this issue needs to be moved up on the agenda of every business leader, chamber, trade organization and policymaker. The IPR Committee will continue to urge the assistance of governments to curb the proliferation of counterfeit products.
The EUCCK IPR Committee unites the foreign business community to more effectively identify and address IPR issues and petition for greater commitments by local, national and international officials in the enforcement and protection of IPR.
We comprehend that the single item or sector approach to fighting counterfeiting is not as effective as a cross sector, cross border approach to emphasize the illegality and dangers of counterfeiting and piracy. We believe a collective, cross border and sector message to policymakers and consumers allows individual companies and industries to portray the seriousness of the issue without compromising consumer confidence in brands. In this regard, the EUCCK will continue to support the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), work closely with the European Business Organizations IPR Project aimed to promote IPR protection across Asia and the other government and trade organizations to develop a sound strategy for IPR protection.
We trust that our ongoing efforts will strengthen your cooperation with the Korean government as well as enhance the public’s awareness on the importance of IPR.
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The members of the EUCCK IPR Committee represent various industries with a common concern - IPR infringement. The Committee brings together CEOs, senior corporate executives and legal practioners committed to safeguarding IP. As a group, the members are the backbone of the IPR Committee’s mission to eradicate IPR violation in Asia. The support of the EUCCK IPR Committee members ensure that policy makers at the highest levels are aware of the far reaching consequences of counterfeiting and piracy.
The IPR Committee will further its efforts to promoting the safeguard of IP worldwide. Our core aims are:
- Increase awareness of IPR violations and the associated economic and social harm
- Motivate government action and the allocation of resources towards improved IPR enforcement
- Create a culture change to ensure IP is respected and protected
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Contact Information:
Tel: +822-725-9126
E-mail: eucsc@eucck.org
Website: ipr.eucck.org
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