Agencies seek ways to boost anti-IP rights violation cooperation

Hanoi (VNA) – A roundtable discussion was held in Hanoi on October 20 to look for ways to improve the effectiveness of cooperation among enforcement agencies in the fight against counterfeits and intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements.

The function was part of a project on improving coordination among IPR enforcement agencies in Vietnam funded by the UK Embassy.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said Vietnam established a national steering committee for anti-smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting.

He, however, admitted that the counterfeiting and IPR infringements have become more complicated and even involved foreigners.

The fight against counterfeiting and IPR violations cannot be successful without businesses’ active cooperation and the entire society’s engagement, he stressed.

Lord Puttnam, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade and Cultural Envoy, said Vietnam has strongly integrated into the regional and global economies in recent years, which required improving the business environment and competitiveness to create a transparent climate for enterprises.

The IPR enhancement will promote technology transfer, product development and stimulate businesses’ creative process, he said, noting that the British Embassy has cooperated with Vietnam through programmes to improve the capacity of market monitoring officials and the project to strengthen coordination among IPR enforcement agencies.

Data of the Market Surveillance Agency show that by October 2016, the market surveillance force detected over 29,400 cases relating to counterfeits, low-quality goods and violation of the IPR.

At the event, participants suggested measures to boost cooperation among relevant agencies. Dave Lowe, head of the IP Enforcement and Capacity Building at the UK’s Intellectual Property Office, also shared experience in reinforcing enforcement bodies’ coordination.-VNA