Geneva, 4 October 1999
ECE/TRADE/99/15
UN/ECE SPEARHEADS INITIATIVE TO TACKLE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY VIOLATIONS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
The Advisory Group on the Protection and Implementation of
Intellectual Property Rights for Investment recently held its first meeting in the
Palais des Nations, Geneva. The 57-member Group is a public-private partnership, with
representatives of both government and the business sector. It was set up by the United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) to address the problem of counterfeiting
and illegal copying of goods in the transition economies of central and eastern Europe and
the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Beginning with the Baltic region, the Group will offer countries
advice and various forms of technical assistance. The Group is confident that, as a result
of its activities, the countries will be able to attract more foreign direct investment
(FDI), as well as comply more rapidly with international standards and commitments in the
area of intellectual property rights.
Counterfeiting and copying of goods is costing Governments
millions of dollars in lost tax revenues and investment. Companies hesitate to invest
in countries where such counterfeiting and copying of goods is widespread. Domestic
companies are also reluctant to invest in research and development, and banks will not
accept patents on other intellectual property as loan collateral. Consumers, too, in these
countries are at risk from counterfeit goods.
The Group will work under the auspices of the UN/ECE's Working
Party on International Legal and Commercial Practice and in close collaboration with the
European Union and intergovernmental organizations such as the World Intellectual Property
Organization, the World Customs Organization, the World Trade Organization and the
International Chamber of Commerce.
It will design training modules for enforcement officials,
compile guides on best practices in implementing the legislation and help build links
between enforcement officials and the business community. Several pilot projects are in
the pipeline for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. These projects will include consultations
with government bodies and the joint drawing up of recommendations aimed at more effective
implementation of intellectual property rights in the Baltic region.
Heading the Group is Professor Irina V. Savelyeva, an
intellectual property expert from Russia and Regional Director of the International
Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
The first funds to support the activities of the Group and its
various sub-groups have already been pledged by a number of leading multinationals.
More information on the Advisory Group on the Protection and
Implementation of Intellectual Property Rights for Investment can be obtained from:
Ms. Barbara Baker, Managing Director,
Magpie Links Ltd., 7
Winsham Grove,
London SW11 6NB, United Kingdom.
Tel.: +44-171 640 0020;
Fax: +44-171 207 36 82;
E-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Iouri Adjoubei,
UN/ECE Trade Division,
Room 429-2, Palais des Nations,
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland.
Tel.: +41-22 917 24 88 / 2865;
Fax: +41-22 917 0037;
E-mail: [email protected]