Anti-counterfeiting systems and technologies: supporting knowledge creation and information sharing on public private partnerships

The trafficking in counterfeit goods is growing to epidemic proportions across the globe, due to transnational criminal networks exploiting the dark side of globalization. Counterfeiting is one of the most important businesses for organized crime, which deems it more lucrative and less hazardous than several other criminal activities.

It is widely recognized that an integrated approach involving multiple stakeholders from the public and private sector is needed to support the response to this crime. However, in this context little has been done to consistently spread knowledge and awareness on the role that anti-counterfeiting technologies may play, while Governments, technology producers and industry associations may benefit from increased information sharing on the activities and positive results obtained by the use of anti-counterfeiting systems.

In this regard, an array of anti-counterfeiting solutions are currently available and, in specific commodities’ sectors, Governments are also promoting the use of ad hoc systems, leading some technology providers to specialize their activity to deal especially with their requests. The solutions adopted in this domain have the potential of serving both the public and the private interest, but the issue of technology as an anti-counterfeiting tool mandated or promoted by States is barely analyzed in the relevant literature. A knowledge increase in this sector may have a beneficial effect on the global anti-counterfeiting efforts.

Responding to this need, the project UNICRI is implementing is aimed at raising awareness and fostering information sharing on anti-counterfeiting technologies, in order to support governmental efforts to reduce the spread of counterfeit products and to combat transnational organized crime involved in their production and trade.

A modular approach divided in two phases will be followed.

Phase 1 entails a landscape analysis on anti-counterfeiting technologies producers working with Governments, providing examples of success stories in specific socio-economic contexts. The research will benefit from the cooperation with technology providers and Governments and a final event to launch the study will take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

Building up on these results, Phase 2 will assess the viability of creating a knowledge sharing platform, bringing together Governments, technology providers and producers’ associations, in order to promote information exchange among different actors, enhancing the dialogue between Governments and the private sector

The platform will be an ideal point of communication and exchange of best practices on anti-counterfeiting technologies. It will support States and private associations in shaping anti-counterfeiting strategies and establishing informal communication networks. The gathered information will then be presented in periodic reports on anti-counterfeiting technologies in different geographical areas and commodity sectors.

For more information please contact Mr. Marco Musumeci at musumeciunicri.it or by phone at +41229175995