The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), is mandated to implement the Counterfeit Goods Act, No. 37 of 1997, which provides enforcement remedies to intellectual property rights holders. The CIPC Commissioner Advocate Rory Voller has advised as follows:
Effective protection of copyright and trademarks are supported through coordinated physical enforcement actions. These seizure operations are spearheaded by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the HAWKS.
Most products are counterfeited, from toys to motor spare parts. Social Media Driven Awareness Campaigns on Respect for Intellectual Property (IP) are continuously conducted by the CIPC. In addition, the Agency collaborates with industry to ensure that public demand for fake goods decreases, with emphasis on engagements with students and SMMEs.
The CIPC conducts training and capacity building events to designated SAPS, and SARS officials and follows a holistic approach that includes private sector stakeholders and the judiciary. Training workshops on Investigating and Prosecuting IP Crime for Senior Law Enforcement officials are conducted. The International Police Agency (Interpol) attended the most recent workshop, emphasising the need to combat this practice across borders and online. CIPC recently hosted a hybrid Conference in Cape Town on Anti-Counterfeiting (22-24 February 2022), which focussed on IP rights and responsibilities. In attendance were African countries, brand protection managers and self-regulatory bodies representing the industries that suffer the most from counterfeiting.
CIPC has just launched a cell phone application to enhance accurate statistical reporting, which law enforcement officials will use to gather accurate statistics to support effective enforcement.
-END-