Market management agency, Germany group cooperate in dealing with counterfeit goods

At the signing ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance) 

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance (DMS) on April 25 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schott AG, a leading group in the areas of specialty glass, glass-ceramics and glass innovations from Germany, aiming to promote cooperation in combating counterfeit products and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights of Schott AG brands in Vietnam.

This is part of DMS’s activities to improve the effectiveness of the fight against counterfeiting, IP infringement and protecting consumers’ rights as well as raise public awareness about genuine and counterfeit goods, especially products of foreign enterprises that are doing business in Vietnam.

At the signing ceremony, Tran Huu Linh, DMS’s director general, said combating and preventing counterfeit goods and IP infringement is one of the key tasks of the market surveillance force.

The production and trading of counterfeit goods continue to be a pressing issue in the domestic market, he said, noting that DMS has coordinated with relevant agencies such as border guards and public security to handle violations in this regard.

Last year, the market surveillance force handled 3,069 cases and imposed administrative fines totalling over 38 billion VND (1.6 million USD).

In the first quarter of this year, 1,764 violations were dealt with total fines of more than 15.7 billion VND.  

According to Simon Kreye, Deputy Head of the German Embassy in Hanoi, the signing of the above-mentioned MoU is a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between Vietnam and Germany in the field of IP protection and consumer safety.

Fake products not only harm the reputation and innovation of businesses but also pose serious risks to the health and life of consumers, he said.

Under the MoU, the market management force will share information on policies, regulations and legal procedures on handling violations. The business partner will be facilitated to participate in the process of investigation and handling of violations when necessary to shorten the time and enhance efficiency of investigations.

The market surveillance force is also willing to listen to businesses' opinions to improve the collaboration between the law enforcement force and the business community./.