Anambra govt has zero tolerance for piracy, counterfeiting, commissioner warns business operators

Anambra State government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for piracy, counterfeiting and copyright infringement, insisting on protection of intellectual property.

The Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, during a meeting with executive members of Anti-Piracy Society of Nigeria (APSON), in Awka, yesterday, warned that those involved in any form of illegitimate businesses should stop or face the law.

Udechukwu reassured state government’s readiness to partner with APSON in the fight against fake and adulterated products, advising manufacturers and business operators to channel their energy on genuine businesses rather than fake products.

According to the commissioner, the state government would protect intellectual property, copyright, trade secrets/trade marks of products and services of industrialists, including their right to earn economic benefit from such properties.

He said: “Anyone caught in illegitimate businesses, producing fake products, will face the the law; and it is our business to flush them out of the system.

“We advise them to avoid counterfeiting, fakery and forgery products and devote their energy on genuine businesses.

“They just need to channel their energy in the right direction, and the state will support and promote them financially.

The commissioner said that government was actively promoting made-in-Anambra goods, and wanted every product with Anambra imprimatur to be certified of quality, excellence and integrity.

He cautioned APSON to ensure proper training on best code of conduct and practices for its members to promote efficiency and professionalism in their operations.

In his address, Director General of APSON, Frank Uduonu, expressed optimism that its collaboration with the state government, security agencies and other concerned organisations would further strengthen the body to curb the menace of piracy, counterfeiting and fakery in the state.

Uduonu disclosed that the society had developed mobile application that would help individuals detect fake or original products using their mobile phones.