EU and US Help Vietnam Combat Fake and Imitation Goods

More than 60 customs officers, economic policemen and market managers from southern localities have sought ways to protect local trademarks at a workshop opening in Ho Chi Minh City on April 2.

During the five-day event, the Vietnamese officers are expected to gain experience relating to the enforcement of intellectual property rights and the fight against fake and imitation goods from experts from the European Union and the United States.

Right holders of well-known trademarks available in Vietnam, including Cisco Systems, L'Oreal, Nokia, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Guerlain, Kenzo, Tag Heuer, Nike, Gedeon Richter, Scotch Whisky Association, Ambro and Uniliver, will also take part in discussions at the workshop.

Under a tripartite co-operation programme, right holders of trademarks of Vietnamese origin will be assisted in protecting intellectual property rights in the coming time.

The EU also plans to organise around 30 activities in Vietnam this year to boost co-operation in combating fake and imitation commodities.

The workshop is being held by the EC-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Co-operation Programme (ECAP II), the US Patent and Trademark Office and the General Department of Customs of Vietnam.

(Source: Viet Nam News)