Obviously Brand Owners, Musicians and owners of trade marks do not welcome people taking advantage of their hard work by selling, buying or manufacturing fakes.

All member states in the European Community recognise the importance of encouraging creative spirit and have agreed that protection from pirates is required in much the same manner as protection from thieves and criminals.

No matter where you live in the Community your National Laws offer you a defence from such activity.

Brand Owners have rights too and they can rely on the Local Courts and Local Customs Agents to enforce the law as and where they feel necessary. That is why you will read and hear more about 'fighting product piracy' in future. The European Community along with US Government has recognised the damage that fakes are doing to society as a whole. During October of 2004 the US government launched the STOP 'Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy' campaign.

In much the same way as they are attempting to protect the environment for future generations they are trying to ensure that future innovation is not disadvantaged by short term exploitation of thieves and fraudsters.