MARCH 2009
How to protect your IP rights at trade fairs
Managing Intellectual Property
Organisers estimate that up to 9% of goods presented at German trade fairs infringe IP rights. Bernd Rupprecht explains how IP owners can tackle and deter the threat
| One-minute read |
| Germany's trade fairs attract exhibitors from all over the world, who want to display their latest products and innovations. But in recent years counterfeiters have also used the fairs to exhibit counterfeit products, presenting a problem for rights owners and authorities. However, there are various measures that rights owners can pursue in infringement cases – namely civil, criminal and administrative measures. Perhaps the most important of these is the preliminary injunction in civil proceedings, which can be granted in as little as a few hours. The courts have demonstrated considerable flexibility in dealing with cases of alleged infringement arising at trade fairs and, if further evidence is needed before applying for a preliminary injunction, an expert inspection can be requested. Involving the trade fair organisers can also be helpful as they can help prevent conflict, particularly by acting as moderators and arranging for mediation and other initiatives with local authorities. In meeting this challenge, where – more than in most areas – timing is vital, teamwork is essential. |
Counterfeiters and plagiarists attend trade fairs to look for new exhibits that they may counterfeit. In recent years, the counterfeiters themselves have been increasingly presenting their counterfeited products and copies at trade fairs. German trade fair organisers estimate that between 5% and 9% of the goods presented at trade fairs infringe IP rights. Therefore, counterfeited products and plagiarism at trade fairs has been identified as a major problem by rights owners and state authorities such as Customs officials and politicians in recent years.
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