Counterfeiting in the Canadian Market - Manitoba Chambers of ...

Table of ContentsIntroduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5Extent of the Counterfeiting Problem ...................................................................................................................................... 7Measuring the Problem ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7Identifying Counterfeit Product ............................................................................................................................................................. 10Risks Posed by Counterfeit Product and Their Illicit Distribution ................................................................ 11Counterfeit Products Are a Threat to Consumer Safety ........................................................................................................... 11Counterfeit Products Damage Legitimate Business .................................................................................................................... 11Counterfeiting Means Lost Revenue for the Government ....................................................................................................... 12Revenue From Counterfeit Products Fund Organized Crime ............................................................................................... 13Canada’s Lax IP Regime Sends the Wrong Message to Our International Partners ................................................. 14Best Practices: International Trading Partner and Industry Action ................................................................ 15Empowered Border Officials .................................................................................................................................................................... 15Adapting to Small Shipments .................................................................................................................................................................. 17Creating Expert Knowledge ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18A System of Effective Remedies ............................................................................................................................................................. 19Seeking Innovative Solutions Through Cooperation and Partnership ............................................................................. 20Joint International Action .................................................................................................................................................................. 20Using Available Legal Tools ............................................................................................................................................................ 21Partnerships With Intermediaries ................................................................................................................................................. 23Technology Adaptation ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25Counterfeiting in the Canadian Market: Challenges and Recommendations ...................................... 26Weaknesses in Canada’s Legal Regime .............................................................................................................................................. 26Obligations Under International Agreements ....................................................................................................................... 26Inconsistencies in National Law .................................................................................................................................................... 27Exploit All Available Remedies ..................................................................................................................................................... 28Improving Canada’s Response to Online Infringement ........................................................................................................... 29Building a Proactive Government Response ................................................................................................................................... 29Summary of Recommendations .................................................................................................................................................... 31