WCO, Interpol organize conference against counterfeit goods

WCO, Interpol organize conference against counterfeit goods    The World Customs Organization and Interpol are organizing a conference on combating counterfeiting, scheduled for May 25-26 at the WCO headquarters in Brussels.
   The World Intellectual Property Organization supports the event, while Global Business Leaders Alliance Against Counterfeiting, an organization representing international companies, acts as a primary sponsor. The International Trademark Association, the International Security Management Association, the Alliance Against Counterfeiting and other business groups are also taking part.
   The conference is billed as the “First Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting” and described by the WCO and Interpol as a public-private partnership initiative that will bring together decision makers from key organizations committed to stopping product and trademark counterfeiting.
   “Counterfeiting is often regarded by society as a victimless crime and ‘fakes’ as simply a cheap alternative purchase,” WCO and Interpol said in a joint statement. “However counterfeiting is a growing problem, and in addition to historical links with organized crime, there is evidence to show that terrorists are now using this type of trade to fund their activities worldwide,” they added.