Moldovan customs officers arrest 44 consignments of counterfeit or pirated goods in 2017

Chisinau, 21 March /MOLDPRES/ - Customs officers in 2017 confiscated 44 consignments of products which would harm the intellectual property rights. The director of the Customs Service, Vitalie Vrabie, today made statements to this effect during a presentation of a national report on the observance of the intellectual property rights.  

The official noted that ”in 23 cases, it was about clothes with counterfeit trademarks and in the others – about footwear, cosmetic goods and toys for children.”     

The head of the Customs Service said that the report unveiled today established the situation as regards the observance of the sector of protection of intellectual rights, as well as showed actions due to be undertaken subsequently. “The document is made professionally and accessibly. It shows us how we should consolidate efforts in the fight against counterfeit goods. Nevertheless, not only public authorities are responsible for the protection and observance of the intellectual rights, but also the consumers need to get involved into the discovery of counterfeit products,” Vitalie Vrabie said.   

Attending the event, the director of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), Lilia Bolocan, stressed that the institution had organized a string of informative events on the education of citizens in terms of the observance of intellectual rights.    

“When we are speaking about the observance of intellectual property rights, a basic pillar in the process of enforcement and observance is the citizens’ informing and education. Thus, AGEPI last year organized 63 information seminars, workshops and educative classes. The target groups of these activities were economic agents, librarians, teachers and civil servants. We were also involved in the carrying out of the provisions of the Moldova-EU agreement; we have a lot of challenges in the field; yet, we are happy that we enjoy the support provided through a technical assistance project,” Bolocan said.   

“A very important objective is the creation of an IT platform which would comprise data from all institutions which have information on intellectual property. Also, the guide for the native producer, in process of elaboration, is extremely important,” Lilia Bolocan added.  

The national report on the observance of intellectual property rights was worked out and presented for the sixth time. The document unveils a comprehensive analysis of the present situation in terms of protection and observance of intellectual rights.  

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor L. Alcaza)