China’s counterfeiting crisis hurting Aus producers

THE threat of sophisticated counterfeiting of Australian products in China is exploding, with major exporters fearing damage to the nation’s clean, green reputation is inevitable. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, told the 2015 Agribusiness Outlook Australia conference that unsafe product being labelled as Australian would damage the country’s reputation. “It is a form of flattery for Australia – the quality is recognised for the product but it is also a threat (that could) quickly damage our brand,” Senator Colbeck said. “Counterfeiting in China is a real problem, one the Chinese know they need to deal with a thorough regulatory and enforcement framework. New laws introduced in China last year which aim to increase protection to trademark owners appear toothless, as widespread counterfeiting affecting Australian brands was discussed at the forum.

http://www.farmweekly.com.au/news/agriculture/agribusiness/general-news/chinas-counterfeiting-crisis-hurting-aus-producers/2733861.aspx