§ Mr. Robert Banksasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases have been taken up with national authorities of copying and couterfeiting of British goods sold in overseas markets.
§ Mr. PattieThe Government have made and continue to make representations to the authorities in countries where counterfeiting and other infringements of intellectual property rights are a general problem. However, action in individual cases is normally the responsibility of the owners of the rights being infringed to pursue. My Department aims to be kept informed about progress in such cases, and is currently in contact with several firms whose products are being counterfeited abroad, with their representative bodies, and with relevant diplomatic posts. Our posts are under instructions to give assistance, and to report cases of piracy and counterfeiting of British goods which come to their attention. Representations may be made as appropriate, and this has been done twice in the last six months.