Counterfeiters See Opportunity in World Cup Tournament - INTA

NEW YORK, NY - The International Trademark Association (INTA) warned consumers about the abundance of counterfeit goods available during the FIFA World Cup tournament and the harmful impact purchasing these illegal products will have on economies around the globe, according to the Association.

Unsuspecting tourists and fans are being targeted by counterfeiters looking to take advantage of the excitement over the World Cup tournament. In fact, South African customs authorities seized counterfeit goods worth approximately R66 million (more than $8 million) in the last six months. Additionally, fake imports to South Africa, mostly of World Cup merchandise, resulted in the loss of 14,400 jobs in the country’s clothing and textile industry over the last year.

INTA is committed to help raise public awareness of these fake goods and of the long-lasting harm counterfeits cause to local economies.

“Fake goods not only mislead consumers, but also lead to the loss of legitimate jobs in the affected industries,” said INTA Executive Director Alan Drewsen. “FIFA and South Africa have increased their efforts to block the sale of counterfeit goods, and we hope that consumers will be watchful as well and not knowingly purchase any fake merchandise.”

World Cup fans can help thwart counterfeiting activity and support local economies by taking the following steps before making a purchase:

1. Be cautious of items with prices that are uncharacteristically low.
2. Inspect the stitching for irregularity or discoloration.
3. Ensure that the player and team names are spelled correctly.
4. Avoid items without an authentic logo or with an awkward looking label.
5. Examine the overall quality of the item.

According to a study by Frontier Economics, counterfeiting and piracy affected over 2.5 million jobs around the world and are a reason for governments losing US$86 billion in tax revenue. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that the share of counterfeit and pirated goods in world trade could have amounted to US$250 billion in 2007. Interpol has identified counterfeiting to be among their top five priority crimes, as purchases of these goods fund other criminal activities down the line.

The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a worldwide association of member companies and firms that support and advance trademarks and intellectual property as elements of fair and effective global commerce.