When shipping containers filled with goods arrive at ports, can we easily identify the counterfeit products hidden among them? Combating intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements is not a task for customs authorities alone, but requires close cooperation between rights holders and enforcement agencies worldwide. The World Customs Organization (WCO) serves as the crucial bridge facilitating this collaboration.
To strengthen IPR protection, the WCO successfully conducted its 8th Rights Holders Consultative Group (RHCG) meeting virtually on November 12, 2021. The event attracted 61 participants from across the globe, marking the highest attendance in RHCG's history and demonstrating the growing importance of customs-rights holder partnerships in fighting counterfeit and pirated goods.
Building Bridges Since 2010
Established in 2010 by the WCO Secretary General alongside the Customs-Business Partnership, the RHCG serves as a platform for exchanging best practices and critical information between rights holders and the WCO Secretariat. This includes insights on emerging trade trends, challenges, and potential areas for public-private collaboration against IPR violations.
The 2021 meeting focused particularly on combating counterfeit goods entering markets via maritime containers and the associated challenges. The WCO also briefed participants on its COVID-19 response measures and shared progress updates about its IPR Health & Safety Program, including developments in maritime-related tools and instruments.
Key Discussion Points
Maritime Containers: The Counterfeit Highway
While essential to global trade, maritime containers have become a preferred smuggling channel for counterfeit goods due to their massive volume and inspection challenges. Participants shared container examination techniques and explored how emerging technologies like AI and big data could enhance detection capabilities.
Pandemic Challenges in IP Protection
The COVID-19 crisis has reshaped global trade patterns while creating new vulnerabilities for IPR protection. Supply chain disruptions created opportunities for counterfeit infiltration, while e-commerce growth opened new distribution channels for fake goods. The WCO outlined its pandemic response strategy, emphasizing international cooperation, legal framework improvements, and public awareness campaigns.
Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening Defenses
The meeting highlighted successful collaborations between customs authorities and rights holders, exemplified by the UK Border Force's presentation of its national container targeting system for IPR infringement detection. Participants emphasized information sharing, joint operations, and technology transfer as key elements of effective anti-counterfeiting strategies.
Industry Perspectives
Rights holders and private sector representatives shared valuable insights:
- Advance Information: Participants advocated for enhanced pre-arrival data sharing while ensuring proper safeguards for sensitive business information.
- Compliance Strategies: Companies showcased internal control systems, product authentication technologies, and supply chain monitoring mechanisms.
- Emerging Threats: Discussions addressed sophisticated counterfeiting techniques, including 3D printing, requiring continuous adaptation of detection methods.
Forward Momentum
The RHCG outcomes fed directly into the 18th WCO Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group meeting on November 18, where participants explored new rights holder features on the IPR CENcomm platform and examined cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technologies.
The WCO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening private sector engagement through its IPR Health & Safety Program, focusing on three strategic priorities:
- Enhancing international cooperation networks
- Supporting legal framework improvements
- Expanding public education initiatives
As counterfeit operations grow increasingly sophisticated, the 8th RHCG meeting demonstrated how sustained collaboration between customs authorities and rights holders remains essential for protecting intellectual property rights in global commerce.