Cryptocurrencies are very often presented in the mainstream media as something that serves criminals and terrorists. Of course, many studies have shown that the situation is not so obvious. Although blockchain does not arouse such bad emotions anymore and this technology is not yet fully used. Especially in terms of fighting against counterfeit genuine goods.
Mass counterfeiting
As reported by PAP, “From January to July this year. The National Tax Administration carried out nearly 300 interventions regarding counterfeit goods, counterfeit goods worth PLN 27.5 million were seized ”.
“In direct border controls, a significant proportion of counterfeit and pirated goods are seized before being placed on the market. KAS also carries out inspection activities at marketplaces, warehouses and wholesalers. In this way, we protect the rights of producers and we care for the safety of consumers “
– says the head of KAS Magdalena Rzeczkowska, quoted in the press release.
“Counterfeit goods often do not meet quality standards and are dangerous to the health of users. An example is cosmetics made of unknown ingredients or toys with phthalates concentration exceeding the acceptable standards “
– she added.
What is the most often counterfeit? First of all, clothing, toys, sports equipment, cosmetics, cigarettes, watches, jewelry, haberdashery and electronic equipment. In addition, the services took over non-original medical devices that do not meet the requirements of the European Union. It sounds scary now.
KAS gave specific examples of seizures of illegal goods. It includes for the detection of 95 counterfeit watches of well-known brands in a passenger car at the road border crossing with Ukraine in Dołhobyczów. They were transported by a woman who claimed that she had the goods from a certain person and was only supposed to transport them to Poland. In return, she would earn $ 100.
It is not the end. During the inspection of one of the toy wholesalers in the province Mazowieckie, 3.3 thousand were detected. pieces of toys: dolls, stuffed animals, blocks, children’s accessories and figurines with characters from popular cartoons.
“The expert opinion carried out by representatives of companies who own the rights to protected trademarks confirmed that they were illegally applied to toys and that the goods disclosed are counterfeit products. The value of the secured toys was estimated at approx. PLN 200,000. PLN “
– added.
Blockchain vs. fakes
How does blockchain fit into all this? The point is, its records cannot be forged. This offers great opportunities. Producers could, for example, add the so-called NFC chip (Near Field Communication). This one could be scanned with a smartphone. It would contain data on the source of origin and the distance traveled from producer to consumer. It is not only a protection against pirates, but also a tool that will help you monitor the path that the product has traveled before it reached the store.
“The latest EUIPO report shows that the piracy problem is gigantic and not diminishing at all. The phenomenon is not limited to the production of items by unknown companies and the imposition of registered trademarks on them. Illegal products are also made during night shifts in legal factories. Therefore, apart from legal solutions, technological innovations are also needed “
– he said a year ago “Gazeta Prawna”Maciej Priebe, attorney at law, patent attorney and partner at Chałas i Wspólnicy.
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