Canadian government to tighten counterfeit law

The Canadian government is to create new counterfeiting offences, deterrents and powers that are in line with ACTA.

Legislation introduced by a government minister would give Canadian customs officials power to detain suspected fakes and share information with rights holders. Wiretapping of suspected fake goods operations would also become an option for police.

Industry welcomed the legislation. Jayson Myers, CEO of trade group Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said: "This has been a longstanding priority issue. Counterfeit goods entering Canada punish legitimate businesses. They are a drain on our economy and on jobs."

Myers said the legislation would make Canadian law compliant with international obligations in the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA). Canada has been encouraged to bolster its law, most recently in a US Trade Representative (USTR) report, to comply with ACTA provisions.

The USTR report specifically called for Canadian customs officials to be given greater power to detain suspect items. If passed, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act would give grant these powers.


Image courtesy of Shutterstock.