Counterfeiting a problem ahead of World Cup
Manufacturers supplying apparel, footwear and equipment for the World Cup are being urged to review their anti-counterfeiting strategies by the International Authentication Association (IAA).
According to the association, fake sports gear is already swamping South Africa’s streets. It believes this will cost genuine suppliers millions of dollars in lost revenue this summer.
IAA chairman Jim Rittenburg, says: “Football fans need be careful what they are buying and need to check the quality of garments and details like logos before handing over cash.”
More than three million products were seized during the 2006 World Cup in Germany and 2,500 intellectual property infringements were reported.
“We are urging all those involved in the fight against counterfeiting, from anti piracy and law enforcement agencies to official suppliers to review their security plans,” continued Mr Rittenburg. "Investment in features and systems that prevent losses will help stem the problem but we also urge those in the supply chain to check their stock, particularly identification tags and other security devices used to confirm the products are genuine. Anything suspicious should be reported straight away.”
