Transatlantic pact cracks down on counterfeiters
Date : 02 24 2008 Category : Technology
VNUNET.COM Latest updatesGuy Dixon, vnunet.com, Monday 25 February 2008 at 00:00:00
EU and US officials vow to halt imports of fake computer components
The European Union (EU) has teamed up with senior US customs officials in a scheme to halt the influx of fake computer components. According to customs officials on both sides of the Atlantic, component fakes smuggled into the US and Europe primarily from China are adversely affecting " critical infrastructure." The move comes following the seizure of more than 360,000 fake components in a two-week transatlantic sting operation at the end of last year. "Traffickers and counterfeiters have become much more sophisticated," said Daniel Baldwin assistant commissioner for US Customs and Border Protection. "They are no longer confining themselves to trafficking in some of the traditional goods we used to see them in, such as footwear or handbags." "There will be criminal investigations," said Baldwin. During the operation counterfeits affecting more than 40 trademarks including Intel, Cisco and Philips Electronics were seized worth more than $1.3bn , according to officials.
