UN to launch new campaign against fakes (including toys)

[griffin]

Not sure how extensive this new campaign will be, but in an attempt to combat organised crime, a new focus will be on counterfeit items to get consumers, Brand owners, and more importantly the Law Makers in the source countries, being more vigilant with fakes.

Even though it is unlikely that the Transformers fakes are being done by an organised crime ring, if Hasbro finally steps up to protect their property, both past and present, those producers of those increasingly accurate fakes could (hopefully) be in a bit of trouble.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has announced it will tackle the problem of counterfeit goods with a new campaign titled Counterfeit: Don’t Buy into Organised Crime.
The new initiative highlights the link between organised crime and the trade in counterfeit goods, which it says amounts to $250 billion a year, and targets consumer electronics, children’s toys, automotive and airplane parts and medicines primarily.
It’s a timely clarion call for brand owners and those responsible for legislation that more must be done – and quickly – to deal with the problem.

[i_amtrunks]

Yes, why let multi billion dollar corporations deal with securing their copyrights when the U.N. Can do it for them? It's not like the U.N. Could be doing anything better with their money, manpower and resources. Perhaps rebuilding Haiti, helping with a dozen or more conflicts across North Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, help residents of third world access better medical treatment or education.

The U.N. continues to be a waste of space and time, the only thing they have ever been good for was for Spider-Man to save them in huge old animated series.

[fatbot]

Yes, why let multi billion dollar corporations deal with securing their copyrights when the U.N. Can do it for them? It's not like the U.N. Could be doing anything better with their money, manpower and resources. Perhaps rebuilding Haiti, helping with a dozen or more conflicts across North Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, help residents of third world access better medical treatment or education.

The U.N. continues to be a waste of space and time, the only thing they have ever been good for was for Spider-Man to save them in huge old animated series.

You didn't read all of Griffins' post did you?

The intent is to stop organised crime syndicates from making money. OCS do a hellava lot of very nasty things to a hellava lot of people, things think forced prostitution, child prostitution, raping, killing etc.

While these conflicts around the world do need someone to step in & find a peaceable conclusion, It makes sense for any organisation to go after something that is reasonably easy to do, this helps them build a reputation for solving problems, which then makes it easier for them to step into the middle of other problems to assist and fix them.

[Lint]

You didn't read all of Griffins' post did you?

The intent is to stop organised crime syndicates from making money. OCS do a hellava lot of very nasty things to a hellava lot of people, things think forced prostitution, child prostitution, raping, killing etc.

While these conflicts around the world do need someone to step in & find a peaceable conclusion, It makes sense for any organisation to go after something that is reasonably easy to do, this helps them build a reputation for solving problems, which then makes it easier for them to step into the middle of other problems to assist and fix them.

It looks like an information campaign only, to raise awareness about the criminal origin of counterfeit goods. It's not like they're going to directly investigate and prosecute any criminals. While spreading awareness is good and all its still a phenomenal waste of money IMO. Besides which a lot of 'legit' goods are manufactured in working conditions which could be deemed exploitative and harmful to the environment (as this campaign claims of counterfeit items). The only difference is it's legal.

You'd have better success running a subversive marketing campaign making counterfeit goods look 'un-cool'.