The Anti-Counterfeiting Group

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Lobbying is a very important part of ACG's remit, representing members' interests in discussion with relevant officials.

Link to government consultations etc

IP crime falls across several different government departments, notably:

Dept for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR, where the UK IP Office now sits)

The Treasury (HM Revenue & Customs, new UK Border Agency jointly with Home Office)

Dept for Communities & Local Government - (trading standards services funding and priorities)

Home Office (SOCA, National Policing Plan, new UKBA with Treasury)

Dept for Culture, Media & Sport (copyright)

Dept of Constitutional Affairs & Ministry of Justice (damages review, deterrent sentencing for IP crime)

It is essential to encourage more awareness within some of these different ministries that counterfeiting is a serious organised crime, linking to many other crimes which are already recognised as a threat.

We also now have the outcomes and recommendations from the Gowers IP Review to pursue with the departments responsible.

Link to Gowers IP Review

Wherever possible, ACG partners with other rights organisations and sometimes also with individual ACG members on particular issues. This minimises duplication and fulfils government's wish to hear one voice.

Primarily through our membership of the Alliance Against IP Theft, with our DG Ruth Orchard as one of its two Vice-Chairs, ACG is well-placed in the UK to influence lobbying strategy and attend all relevant meetings with Ministers, local government and senior law enforcement, to promote the importance of effective IPR enforcement.

Link to Alliance Against IP Theft

The All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property (IP) Group was launched in 2003 to raise awareness of the value of IP to the UK and the harm caused by IP crime. It provides briefings and information for Parliamentarians wishing to protect their constituents, businesses in their areas and the UK’s creativity. Luther Pendragon provides administrative support to the Group on behalf of the Alliance Against IP Theft.

Link to All-Party IP Group

We also contribute to relevant written consultations, and associated meetings if any, which can range from regulatory issues for local authorities through to European Directives. In the past few years there have been two major consultations regarding EU IPR enforcement legislation. Here, ACG partners with the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee of the European Brands Association (AIM) in Brussels.

Link to AIM

As Ministers and governments come and go, stamina and focus are key, as are good relations with the civil servants, to maintain the momentum and priority for IPR enforcement on the political and administrative agendas.

Link to consultations etc