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06/04/2007
New legislation targets counterfeiters
New laws to tackle counterfeiting and piracy crime have come into force.
The new powers, which are backed by £5 million of government funding, will make enforcement of copyright infringement the responsibility of Trading Standards and give officers the power to make test purchases, enter premises and inspect and seize goods and documents.
The government said that it is suspected that all international crime organisations are now involved in counterfeiting and use this as a way to launder money and fund a wide range of criminal activities.
Innovation and Science minister Malcolm Wicks said: "The UK film, music and game industries are among the most creative and innovative in the world, but peddlers of counterfeits are costing those industries up to £9 billion a year. The taxpayer is also losing out to the tune of £300 million. It's a serious offence, whether committed by small-scale hawkers or international crime organisations.
"IP (intellectual property) criminals should know that the UK is not a safe place. Their risk of 10 years' imprisonment and unlimited fines is very real and from this date forward a markedly higher risk."
The move follows a review of intellectual property rights, commissioned by Chancellor Gordon Brown, which was led by former 'Financial Times' editor Andrew Gowers.
The review, which was published in December, said: "The ideal IP system creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access for consumers and follow-on innovators. And it must take tough action against those who infringe IP rights at a cost to the UK's most creative industries."
Donna Sidwell, from the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, said: "I am very pleased that the government has formally welcomed the recommendations of the Gowers Review. The government state that they firmly believe in the need for strong enforcement of intellectual property rights to support the UK's most creative industries."
(KMcA/JM)
The new powers, which are backed by £5 million of government funding, will make enforcement of copyright infringement the responsibility of Trading Standards and give officers the power to make test purchases, enter premises and inspect and seize goods and documents.
The government said that it is suspected that all international crime organisations are now involved in counterfeiting and use this as a way to launder money and fund a wide range of criminal activities.
Innovation and Science minister Malcolm Wicks said: "The UK film, music and game industries are among the most creative and innovative in the world, but peddlers of counterfeits are costing those industries up to £9 billion a year. The taxpayer is also losing out to the tune of £300 million. It's a serious offence, whether committed by small-scale hawkers or international crime organisations.
"IP (intellectual property) criminals should know that the UK is not a safe place. Their risk of 10 years' imprisonment and unlimited fines is very real and from this date forward a markedly higher risk."
The move follows a review of intellectual property rights, commissioned by Chancellor Gordon Brown, which was led by former 'Financial Times' editor Andrew Gowers.
The review, which was published in December, said: "The ideal IP system creates incentives for innovation, without unduly limiting access for consumers and follow-on innovators. And it must take tough action against those who infringe IP rights at a cost to the UK's most creative industries."
Donna Sidwell, from the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, said: "I am very pleased that the government has formally welcomed the recommendations of the Gowers Review. The government state that they firmly believe in the need for strong enforcement of intellectual property rights to support the UK's most creative industries."
(KMcA/JM)
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A new police unit has been announced that will seek to tackle intellectual property crimes such as online piracy and counterfeit goods. Intellectual Property Minister, Lord Younger and City of London Police Commissioner, Adrian Leppard launched the unit today. The government claims it will be one of the first units of its kind in the world.
10 August 2004
Anti-counterfeiting strategy launched
The UK's first intellectual property (IP) crime strategy – a blueprint to crackdown on the trade in fake goods – has been launched today. Piracy and counterfeiting, including DVDs, perfumes, clothing and alcohol, costs the UK economy billions of pounds and undermines the success of many of the UK's best companies.
Anti-counterfeiting strategy launched
The UK's first intellectual property (IP) crime strategy – a blueprint to crackdown on the trade in fake goods – has been launched today. Piracy and counterfeiting, including DVDs, perfumes, clothing and alcohol, costs the UK economy billions of pounds and undermines the success of many of the UK's best companies.
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Fast Changing Face Of Pinewood In Focus
A Government Minister has been getting an update on the world of film and television. Baroness Wilcox, the Minister for Intellectual Property, took centre stage at Pinewood Studios this week to discover how changing technologies are affecting the industry and what the UK Government can do to help the sector's economic growth.
Fast Changing Face Of Pinewood In Focus
A Government Minister has been getting an update on the world of film and television. Baroness Wilcox, the Minister for Intellectual Property, took centre stage at Pinewood Studios this week to discover how changing technologies are affecting the industry and what the UK Government can do to help the sector's economic growth.
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