Leadership Keynote | Protection and Enforcement of IPR
Counterfeiting of automotive parts is pervasive and with devastating economic impact. Kenya has not been spared the menace. Since its establishment in 2010, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) in Kenya has seized counterfeit goods valued at Ksh.4.3billion (US$ 26.6million) with 7 per cent being automotive spare parts sector. That is, the Authority has seized various counterfeit automotive spare parts valued at Ksh.307.6million (US$ 1.9million). This presentation highlights six (6) of negative economic consequences namely: safety risks; damage to genuine manufactures; eroded consumer confidence, infringement of IPR discouraging innovation and investment in research and development. Finally, from the perspective of an enforcement authority, we share some experiences, challenges and insights.