Counterfeit Crackdown
"This is an unfinishable battle. [You] try to do everything, but it is a long war."
– Gyula Almási, head of Hungary’s Intellectual Property Rights Defense Department
This particular long war isn’t against terrorists. It’s against counterfeiters. Companies have been fighting the proliferation of knockoff Rolexes and Gucci bags for years. Now both business and – quite literally – people’s lives are at risk as counterfeiters move in on markets for everything from drugs to car parts. Globalization and the Internet make it tougher and tougher to catch the copycats. And, as the developing world is learning, where new consumers create a demand, the black market shall supply – and that can kill local industries and people alike. The policing the world’s market for fakes, phonies, and frauds… Counterfeit Crackdown!
Executive Producer: Aaron Lobel / AAM Producers: Monica Bushman, Sean Carberry, Mallory Durr, Jordana Gustafson, Ann Kim and Matt Ozug / Interns: Ethan Chiel and Brendan Maaghul / Additional production help: Brett Myers, Yusuf Misdaq and Flawn Williams / Director of Broadcasting and Station Relations: Steve Martin / Web Producer: Javier Barrera / Photo credit: Kevin Ho /Host: Deborah Amos
+ What Is Piracy?
Deborah Amos speaks with Professor Adrian Johns about what piracy is and discusses arguments for and against protecting intellectual property.
+ Field Report From Ghana
Sean Carberry reports from Ghana, where stepped-up enforcement efforts have failed to stem the flow of counterfeit clothes, car parts and drugs into the country.
+ Field Report From India
Ann Kim travels to India where counterfeit and substandard medications have dangerous implications.
+ Interview With Obama’s Intellectual Property Czar
Deborah Amos speaks with Victoria Espinel, the first US Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, about US government efforts to enforce IP.
+ Field Report From Hungary
Jordana Gustafson investigates how Hungary got off a US watch list for piracy and why enforcement alone may not be enough to put an end to illegal trade.
+ The Challenges Of Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights
Deborah Amos speaks with intellectual property experts Chris Sprigman and John Whealan about when and why intellectual property matters and about the challenges of enforcing IP rights across borders.
Supported By:
Global Intellectual Property Cente