- EVENT: Presentation – Preventing Counterfeit Food and Beverages, by Dr. John Spink, for US Patent and Trademark Office hosted Webinar Series: IP Discussions for ARIPO Member States and Observers
- May 26, 2021, 8:30 to 11:30am ET
- Free
- REGISTER HERE: https://web.cvent.com/event/ca9852ae-c075-4597-b372-9f1161ee0475/summary
There are many global organizations fighting one aspect or another of counterfeit and fraudulent foods, such as WHO, FAO/ UN, INTERPOL/ Europol, national regulators and enforcement, and others. Specifically, the United States Patent and Trademark (USPTO) has focused on building awareness on how to protect against intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement. The co-host of this presentation, The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), is a partner organization that has a regional focus.
IPR is one facet of food fraud prevention that includes protection of trademark (e.g., a logo or brand name), patent (e.g., a recipe or process), copyright (e.g., text or words), and a combination that is trade dress (e.g., a package shape that is unique).
While investigations such as by INTERPOL Operation OPSON found that less than 1 percent of all food fraud cases were classified as “IPR counterfeit” this is still a very significant problem that requires specific countermeasures. At minimum – and what should seem to be obvious – is that it is crucial for brand owners to register their trademark, patent, copyright and trade dress. Without a valid USPTO registration you many not technically own your brand!!! (Or, if anything, you cannot seek the support of the likes of USPTO or ARIPO).
If you’re not sure about your IPR protections or strategies to reduce your vulnerability, then this FREE webinar is a perfect starting point. Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/ca9852ae-c075-4597-b372-9f1161ee0475/summary