Introduction
For years, Australian brand owners have struggled with
counterfeiters. Brand owners will be pleased to know the Chinese
Government has made changes to its customs processes to strengthen
brand owners rights. However, unwary brand owners with a
manufacturing base in China can be caught out.
Branded goods being exported from China are increasingly being
seized by customs if the exporter can not demonstrate their right
to the application of those brands on the goods that have been
seized. In 2010, Chinese Customs seized 20,155 consignments of
suspected counterfeit goods. The figures for 2011-2012 are expected
to be higher. Chinese Customs officers now review consignments
based on risk levels which are calculated by a combination of the
product type, the manufacturers, the exporters and the relevant
shipping lines. These are clearly positive developments for brand
owners.
