IP Awareness and Enforcement: Modular Based Actions for SMEs
COTANCE produces a Handbook on Intellectual Property Rights for the leather sector
Counterfeiting and piracy causes significant damage to industrial operators and business in many sectors. Fashion sectors, such as Textiles and Leather, are particularly affected. Seizures at borders and on the maket have increased in frequency over recent years reveiling a concerning trend, yet this is only the 'tip of the iceberg'.
According to the European Commission, SME's, notably in traditional sectors, are often unaware of their rights and on how to defend them. In order to redress the situation the EU has launched a series of information actions, campaigns and projects in this field, including the IP-Base Project.
The project is a multi-million Euro Project coordinated by the University of Alicante and involving the National Patent Offices of EU Member States.
Workpackage 13 of the Project is dedicated to elaborating reader friendly Handbooks regarding Intellectual Property Rights in the textiles, clothing, furniture, footwear and leather sector. Due to its extensive experience and networks, COTANCE has been designated by the IP-Base Project for taking care of the development of the Handbooks regarding the leather industry.
The development of the Handbooks that COTANCE will perform for leather, leathergoods, leather clothing and footwear includes a consultation to stakeholders during the month of May 2008.
A Draft Handbook Content list has been elaborated covering all potential issues that operators may encounter in the field of IPR.
