91998E3958

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3958/98

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Counterfeit goods

According to reports by the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Central and Eastern Europe have become a thriving market for counterfeit goods, as Asia has been for some time, and such goods are reaching the EU's internal market via those regions. Counterfeit goods production is also a major obstacle to increases in EU investment in Eastern Europe, as businesses see that they will not enjoy the requisite legal protection in the countries concerned.

How will the Commission step up its efforts to combat the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit goods in Eastern Europe? What will the Commission do to improve cooperation with the authorities of Eastern European countries in this regard?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 1999)

The lack of sufficient and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) is of concern to the Commission. The Commission agrees that piracy and counterfeiting activities are important obstacles for foreign investment.

Under the Europe agreements the CEECs have committed themselves to provide a level of intellectual property protection similar to that existing in the Community. The combat of counterfeiting production is primarily the responsibility of each of the countries concerned, but the Commission is closely monitoring the evolution of intellectual property protection in Central and Eastern Europe. In general, there is good co-operation between the authorities of the CEECs and the Commission. Progress has been made in all countries, in particular in Poland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic where new legislation or practical measures within the police force, customs authorities and the judicial system have recently been introduced. The Commission has regularly raised, in its contacts with the CEECs, the issue of counterfeiting practices and piracy and it will continue to do so. Moreover, since 1992 the Commission has given technical assistance to the national authorities through the Phare programme, in particular through the multi-country programmes concerning intellectual and industrial property. Legal support and training of prosecutors, judges, customs and police officials are important features of its assistance.