The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is conducting a two-day Brand Identification Training session at Maarkson Suites Hotel in Hurlingham, Nairobi, on June 3rd and 4th, 2024. This event serves as a precursor to the upcoming 2nd International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2), part of the activities planned to commemorate World Anti-Counterfeit Day in Kenya.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, the Executive Director of the ACA, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in tackling counterfeiting and illicit trade. "This training aims to build capacity and raise awareness among frontline enforcement officers on the best methods to identify counterfeit products, ensuring the protection of end-users and the general public," stated Dr. Njoroge.

The workshop is also attended by representatives from European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) Africa, brand owners and trademark holders such as Unifab, Japan Patent Office, Danfoss, East African Breweries Ltd, Kenya Wine Agencies, Unilever, and Colgate Palmolive, among others.

This event brings together key stakeholders, including ACA enforcement officers, first-line enforcement officers from other government agencies, local and international trademark owners, law enforcement agencies, and private sector representatives, to enhance efforts in combating counterfeiting.

Dr. Njoroge highlighted the need for shared collaboration among all stakeholders. He stressed that combating counterfeiting requires a unified approach involving government agencies, brand owners, and law enforcement working together. "By working together, we can create a formidable front against counterfeiters, ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights and consumer safety," he said.

He also encouraged brand owners to prioritize the recordation of their intellectual property rights with the ACA. This process ensures that law enforcement agencies have accurate and up-to-date information on genuine products, enabling them to identify and seize counterfeit goods more effectively.

Moderating the event, the European Union Intellectual Property Attache for Africa, Mr. Gregor Schneider, appreciated the continued collaboration with Kenyan authorities in protecting innovators and the creative industry. "The future of our economies lies in the creative economy. Counterfeiting poses a major threat to innovation and economic growth at both EU and global levels. The rise in the share of counterfeit and illicit trade in world trade is deeply concerning and calls for coordinated action at all levels," he said.