The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Trademark Association (INTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the WCO headquarters in Brussels on 14 July 2014. Through this partnership INTA and WCO will increase their collaborative efforts in the fight against counterfeiting and its impact on businesses, governments and citizens worldwide. WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya and INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo signed the agreement on behalf of their organizations.
Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health and safely and is detrimental to global commerce. Reports estimate the trade of counterfeit goods to exceed US$650 / €477 billion annually. These figures provide a strong indication of the size and scope of global counterfeiting activity. Customs technical assistance and capacity building remains one of the most effective mechanisms in the battle against counterfeiting. This partnership will provide INTA and WCO with a platform to strengthen Customs coordination through education and training projects, and through the exchange of information and best practices between Customs and the private sector. The organizations will also place a strong emphasis on public education to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeiting and its impact on the global economy, including collaboration on INTA’s public awareness initiative, the Unreal Campaign.
"This agreement formalizes the excellent cooperation that has existed between INTA and WCO for many years," said Mr. Sanz de Acedo. "WCO is the sole intergovernmental organization specialized in Customs matters and their work to support Customs administrations worldwide is important in addressing counterfeiting. This agreement will go a long way to reinforce collaboration between government and the private sector in the battle against counterfeiting across the globe."
"Counterfeiting is a scourge which threatens consumer health and safety and is detrimental to the economic, social and fiscal interests and the security of States" said Mr. Mikuriya. "To effectively fight against counterfeiting and piracy there is the need for strong partnerships between Customs administrations and the private sector; this is why I am very pleased at the signing of this MOU between the WCO and its partner, the INTA."
About INTA
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of trademark owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property in order to protect consumers and to promote fair and effective commerce. Members include more than 6,400 trademark owners, professionals and academics from more than 190 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Brussels, Shanghai and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and Mumbai.
About WCO
The World Customs Organization (WCO), established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. The WCO represents 179 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade. Besides the vital role played by the WCO in stimulating the growth of legitimate international trade, its efforts to combat smuggling are also recognized internationally. The partnership approach championed by the WCO is one of the keys to building bridges between Customs administrations and their partners. By promoting the emergence of an honest, transparent and predictable Customs environment, the WCO directly contributes to the economic and social well-being of its Members.