CIE Distributor Directory
Search by part number for inventory and pricing from authorised distributors with the option to specify regions and currency. Uses OEM Secrets data.
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IDEA
Listing of IDEA (Independent Distributors of Electronic Components) members only. Important note - compliance with IDEA-STD-1010 or any other international standard relating to counterfeit component management not listed - you should check this with IDEA
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OEM Secrets
Search by part number for inventory and pricing from authorised and non-authorised distributors with the option to specify regions and currency.
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Search Authorized Distributors in ECIA
Search by part number for inventory and pricing from authorised distributors with the option to specify regions and currency.
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Tec Transitional
Training & qualification Internationally approved courses and qualification examinations for the aviation, defence, automotive, motorsport, rail and nuclear sectors
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2013: Counterfeit Electronic Component Detection & Avoidance
Webinar  University of Maryland CALCE Center
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Available on demand subject to registration 

2015 Situation Report on Counterfeiting in the European Union
Report  Europol and the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market
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Free to download 

2022 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy
Report  Office of the US Trade Representative
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Free to download and read online  

A practical guide to copyright enforcement for Trading Standards professionals
Publication  Alliance for IP - April 2007
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Free to download 

ACI ECA Pocket Guide to Cable Purchasing
Guidebook  Approved Cables Initiative
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Free to download 

Advanced Detection of Counterfeit Electronics (ADEC)
Presentation  Nokomis Inc - 24 June 2014
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2012 to 2013
Report  Intellectual Property Office, UK - 29 July 2013
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Downloadable free of charge - references to electronics on page 39 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2013 to 2014
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 10 October 2014
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2014 to 2015
Report  Intellectual Property Office, UK - 25 September 2015
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2015 to 2016
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 28 September 2016
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2016 to 2017
Report  Intellectual Property Office
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2017 to 2018
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 6 September 2018
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Free to download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2018 to 2019
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 5 September 2019
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Free to view online and download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2019 to 2020
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 2 September 2020
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Free to view online and download 

Annual IP crime and enforcement report: 2020 to 2021
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 9 September 2021
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Free to view online and download 

Anti counterfeit, brand protection & tamper evident solutions
Report  James Bevan and Jeremy Plimmer
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Download table of contents free of charge, full report available to purchase 

Anti Counterfeit, Brand Protection & Tamper Evident Solutions - Companies & Technologies
Report  Vandagraf International - 7 November 2014
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Chargeable but table of contents available on request to info@vanadagraf.com 

Anti-Counterfeit Cartridges
Guidance  Brother Ireland
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Useful online tool to verify the provenance of Brother printer cartridges 

Anti-counterfeiting 2016 – A Global Guide
Report  World Trademark Review
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Free to view online 

Anti-Counterfeiting Guide archive
Reports  World Trademark Review
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Free to view online guides from previous years 

Applying artificial intelligence in online brand protection
Webinar on demand  Red Points
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Register to download the webinar 

Authenticate your SKF products
App  SKF
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Free to download 

Authorized source directory
Publication  the SIA (Semiconductor Industry Association) Anti-Counterfeit Task Force
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Best Practices for Brand Protection and Effective Enforcement in China
White paper  MarkMonitor - 2 July 2014
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Free to download subject to registration 

Best Practices in the Fight against Global Counterfeiting
Guide  American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - 16 May 2011
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Free to download pdf 

Blockchain in Electronic Component Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025
Report  Transparency Market Research
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Available to purchase at 

Business guidance on changes to the law on designs
Guidance document  Intellectual Property Office - 2 July 2014
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Free to download 

Characterizing Transboundary Flows of Used Electronics: Summary Report
Report  Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 20 January 2012
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Free to download 

ChipCheck: Inspection of Counterfeit Components Guide
CD-ROM  SMART Group
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Free to download 

Confronting coding challenges in the cable and wire industries
White paper  Domino Printing Sciences
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Free to download 

Counterfeit and non-compliant communications cable - what you need to know
Presentation  Communication Cable & Connectivity Association - 10 July 2014
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Counterfeit and Substandard Semiconductors: The Solution to the Threats
Paper  Rochester Electronics - September 2011
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Free to download 

Counterfeit Avoidance and Detection: What Does It Mean For Suppliers?
Presentation  Lockheed Martin
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Free to view online and download 

Counterfeit Awareness Event
Presentations  UK Ministry of Defence - 7 July 2016
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Free to download 

Counterfeit capacitors in the supply chain
Paper  Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
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Available to purchase 

Counterfeit Components - Assessment Methodology and Metric Development
Various online resources  INEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative) - 15 October 2013
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Free to view video, documents, presentations and other resources 

Counterfeit Components Infographic
Infographic  Venkel Ltd
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Free to download 

Counterfeit detection and avoidance
Presentation  M Tehranipoor, University of Connecticut - 24 September 2014
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Free to download 

Counterfeit Electronic Components in the U.S. Supply Chain
Report summary  Rochester Electronics - June 2012
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Free to download 

Counterfeit Electronic Parts and Their Impact on Supply Chains
Book  Kirsten M Koepsel, SAE International
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Available for purchase 

Counterfeit Electronic Parts, a Spotlight on Design™ Video
Video  SAE International
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Available for purchase 

Counterfeit Electronics & Materials Symposium Preview Webinar
Video  SMTA
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Free to view 

Counterfeit Fraudulent and Suspect Items
Video  Nuclear Industry Safety Directors' Forum
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Free to view online 

Counterfeit Integrated Circuits: A Rising Threat in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain
Paper  IEEE - 1 August 2014
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Free to download 

Counterfeit Materiel Process Guidebook
Guide  US Department of the Navy - 30 June 2017
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Free to view online and download 

Counterfeit Medical Device Parts - Video Cards
Video  Summit Imaging
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Free to view online 

Counterfeit Parts and Their Impact on the Supply Chain, Second Edition
Book  SAE International
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Available to purchase at 

Counterfeit Parts in Aerospace Manufacturing
Webinar  NSF International
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Register to download the webinar 

Counterfeit Parts in Defence Purchases: Implications of New U.S Rules for India's Defence Management
Paper  Sandeep Verma, Unique Identification Authority of India - 2 June 2014
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Free to download 

Counterfeit Parts: Increasing Awareness and Developing Countermeasures
Report  Aerospace Indiustries Association - 1 March 2011
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Free to download pdf 

Counterfeit Risk & Mitigation Thought Leader Panel Discussion
Webinar on demand  Silicon Expert
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Register to download the webinar 

Counterfeits Can Kill
Video  ESFI and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
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Criminal Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: U.S. Perspective
Paperback  Sherri L Schornstein, Author
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Available to purchase from any good bookshop or online 

CTSI Brexit Think Tank Summary Booklet
Report  Chartered Trading Standards Institute
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Free to view online and download 

Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, 2014 ed.
Book  Legal Solutions
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Available to buy outright or on monthly contract 

Cyber Deterrence Report
Report  US Department of Defense, Defense Science Board - 1 February 2017
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Available to download free of charge 

Definitions Do Matter
Brochure  Rochester Electronics
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Free to view online 

Development of a Methodology to Determine Risk of Counterfeit Use
Paper  iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative)
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Free to download 

DSB Task Force Report on Cyber Supply Chain
Report  Homeland Security Digital Library
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Free to download 

EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2017
Report  Europol
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Available to download free of charge 

Frequently asked questions for DNA marking
MS Word Document  Defense Logistics Agency
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Available to download fee of charge 

Global Anti-Counterfeit Electronics and Automobiles Packaging Market Research Report 2017
Report  Fior Markets
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Available to purchase 

Global Anti-counterfeit Electronics Packaging Market Size, Status and Forecast 2017-2022
Report  Orbis Research
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Available to purchase or request a sample at 

Global Anti-counterfeit Packaging in Consumer Goods Market 2017-2021
Report  Technavio
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Available to purchase at 

Glossary of International Customs Terms
Publication  International Customs Organization
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Thirty page document available to download free of charge 

Government Response to the Working Group report on Product Recalls and Safety
Report  Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
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Free to download 

Guide to Using Customs to Protect Your IPR in China
Guide  China IPR SME Helpdesk
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Free to download 

Hardware Trojans - Prevention, Detection, Countermeasures
Technical note  Defense Technical Information Centre
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Free to view online and download 

Hewlett Packard Anti-Counterfeit - Printer Cartridges
Web pages  Hewlett Packard
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How to identify genuine cartridges and a facility to report counterfeits 

How and Why to Avoid Using Counterfeit Bearings
Presentation  Schaeffler Group (USA) at the EASA Convention 2017
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Watch the presentation and listen to the commentary 

IAQG 9100 - 2016 Revision: Key Changes
Presentation  SAE International
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Free to download 

IECQ Counterfeit Avoidance Programme: Leading the way in counterfeit electronic component avoidance
Brochure  International Electrotechnical Commission
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Explains how organisations can obtain an IECQ CAP Certificate of Conformity 

Intellectual Property and 3D Printing – Safeguarding the future!
Report  Anti Copying in Design (ACID)
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Free to download 

Intellectual Property Crime Threat Assessment 2019
Report  European Union Intellectual Property Office
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Free to view online and download 

IP Crime highlight report 2013-14
Report  Intellectual Property Office - 11 June 2014
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Free to download 

IP Crime quarterly newsletter: Spring 2014
Newsletter  Intellectual Property Office - 12 June 2014
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Free to download 

IP Crime Update - Summer 2013
Newsletter  Intellectual Property Office
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Available to download free of charge 

Manual for the Completion of Applications for Action and Extension Requests
Publication  European Commission, Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union
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Free to download 

Plant Support Engineering: Counterfeit and Fraudulent Items—Mitigating the Increasing Risk
Report  Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
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Free to download 

PMMI Brand Protection and Product Traceability Report - 2016
Report  The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies
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Free to download 

PRO-STD-001 Certification - A Counterfeit Component Quality Assurance Inspection course
Distance learning course  ProSkill CTG
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Contact ProSkill CTG for more details and to schedule training 

Protecting creativity, supporting innovation: IP enforcement 2020
Policy paper  UK Intellectual Property Office
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Free to download 

Protecting the Brand: Counterfeiting and Gray Markets
Book  Peter Hlavnicka, Anthony M. Keats, and Ryan Drimalla
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Available to purchase in printed form or as an e-book 

Quality in your pocket
Booklet  Ministry of Defence
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Free to view online and download 

Report on EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights, Results at the EU border - 2015
Report  European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union - 31 December 2015
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Available to view or download free of charge 

Report on the EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights: Results at the EU border, 2018
Report  European Union Intellectual Property Office
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Free to view online and download 

Rochester Electronics Lead the Industry in the Campaign against Counterfeit Components
Guidance document  Rochester Electronics - 19 November 2014
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Free to download 

Rochester Electronics’ Extension-of-Life Solutions: Not Just Replacement Parts
White paper  Rochester Electronics - 1 July 2011
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Free to download 

SAE Counterfeit Defect Coverage Tool
Web-based application  SAE International
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Provides potential test sequences for the identification of counterfeit parts 

SD-22 Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) Guidebook
Guidebook  U.S Department of Defense - 8 May 2014
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Viewable online or downloadable pdf free of charge 

Simpler and more effective market surveillance of products is urgently needed
Position paper  Orgalime - 21 September 2017
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Free to download 

Spot A Fake
Webinar  AERI
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Register free of charge for the next webinar 

Supply Chain Management Handbook
Publication  IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group)
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Free to download  

Supply Chain Toolkit 2011
Publication  Intellectual Property Office, UK - November 2011
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Updated version 

Tackling counterfeit with ISO and IEC standards
Publication  International Organization for Standardization
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Free to view online and download 

Taggants / Forensic Markers for Anti-Counterfeit, Brand Protection, Product Authentication, Diversion Detection & Overall Product Security
Report  Securing Industry
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Enquire for more information 

Taggants / Forensic Markers for Anti-Counterfeit, Brand Protection, Product Authentication, Diversion Detection & Overall Product Security
Report  Vandagraf International
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25% discount on publication price available until the end of September 

The 'Blue Guide' on the implementation of EU product rules 2016
Guide  European Commission - 26 July 2016
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Free to download 

The Cost of Counterfeit Semiconductors to the Electronics Industry
White paper  Rochester Electronics - 8 June 2011
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Free to download 

The Counterfeit Conundrum: 5 Best Practices for Mitigating Counterfeit Issues in the Electronics Industry
White paper  Silicon Expert
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Free to view online and download 

The Counterfeit Electronic Components Minefield
Book  International Institute of Obsolescence Management (IIOM)
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Available to purchase at 

The dangerous world of counterfeit and pirated software
White paper  IDC - 1 December 2013
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Free to download 

The economic cost of IPR infringement in the smartphones sector
Report  European Union Intellectual Property Office
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Free to download 

The economic impact of counterfeiting and piracy - executive summary
Publication  OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) - June 2008
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The Economic Impacts of Counterfeiting and Piracy
Report  INTA and BASCAP
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Available to download free of charge 

The Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains and How Businesses are Preparing for the Next Shock
Report  Interos
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Free subject to registration 

The potential of blockchain technology in supply chain management & security
White paper  De La Rue Authentication Solutions
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Free to download 

The Promise of Connected Packaging — from Brand Protection to Consumer Engagement
White paper  Systech
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Free to download 

The Safe Shoppers Guide
Publication  Electrical Safety Council, UK
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This useful guide is available as a web page and downloadable on pdf format 

Trade in Counterfeit ICT Goods
Report  OECD
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Read online free of charge or purchase paperback and pdf 

Trade Marks: Essential Reading
Booklet  Intellectual Property Office - May 2010
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Free to download 

Trading Places: The UK's IP Future
Report  Alliance for Intellectual Property - 14 December 2017
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Free to view online and download 

Trading Standards Opportunities and Threats from the UK Withdrawal from the EU
Report  Chartered Trading Standards Institute
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Free to view online and download 

Trends in Trade in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods
Report  European Union Intellectual Property Office
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Free to download 

WCO Annual Reports
Reports  WCO (World Customs Organization)
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View or download free of charge the current report and archived reports 

What is the electronics industry doing about the threat of counterfeit components?
Guidebook  Wayne Lam, ITRI Labs - 20 November 2014
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Free to download subject to registration 

Where are your bearings coming from?
Brochure  SKF Bearings
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Free to download 

Why a counterfeit risk avoidance strategy fails
Report  Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, George Washington University
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Available to purchase at 

Why Do Countries Export Fakes?
Report  European Union Intellectual Property Office
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Free to view online and download 

Winning the Battle Against Counterfeit Semiconductor Products
Report  Semiconductor Industry Association - 28 August 2013
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Downloadable pdf 

World Anti-Counterfeit Electronics and Automobiles Packaging - Market Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020
Report  Allied Market Research - 30 June 2015
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Available for purchase 

If you are aware of any other useful publications on counterfeiting that you think should be listed here please contact us.

Alliance for Grey Market and Counterfeit Abatement
A strategic initiative composed of leading high technology companies committed to addressing the global impact of the grey market and counterfeiting of goods on the technology industry
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Alliance for Intellectual Property (IP)
A UK-based coalition of 22 associations and enforcement organisations with an interest in ensuring IP rights receive protection. Members include representatives of the audiovisual, music, video games and business software, and sports industries, branded manufactured goods, publishers, authors, retailers and designers.
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All-Party Parliamentary IP Group
The Group was launched in 2003 to create a resource for parliamentarians of both Houses interested in learning more about IP, its role in stimulating creativity and economic growth, how new services are developing to serve consumer needs, and the harm that can be caused when IP is not properly respected and protected
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Alpha Non Proliferation Hub
A government-sponsored initiative that was established to support the private sector in implementing export controls and countering the illicit trade that maintains prohibited nuclear and missile programs. Project Alpha encourages Antiproliferation practices through supply chains; working toward the goal of all firms having in place a proliferation resistant export compliance system and assists exporters in implementing best-practice compliance systems which both meet legal requirements and counter the risk of illicit trade.
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ANAB (ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board)
The U.S accreditation body for management systems, ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission. ASQ advances learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange offering technologies, concepts, tools, and training.
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Anti Copying in Design (ACID)
ACID represents UK designers in taking legal action against illegal copying, campaigning for design law reform and promoting the importance of protecting original design through the media, at exhibitions and through events - seminars, workshops - and providing IP audits and a free membership IP hotline
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Anti-Counterfeiting Group
Represents the interests of UK and multinational companies, manufacturing a wide range of products from toothpaste to mobile phones, chocolate to car parts. Membership also includes lawyers, trade mark agents and brand protection specialists, creating a unique environment for anti-counterfeiting interests to collaborate. ACG campaigns against the trade in fakes on behalf of consumers and legitimate business interests, in partnership with government and law enforcement agencies, and other rights organisations.
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Approved Cables Initiative
The ACI addresses the issue of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cable entering the UK with industry and regulator support, educating the electrical supply chain from manufacturers to end users through a comprehensive communication schedule of seminars, marketing material and articles to national trade media
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BASCAP (Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy)
An inititiative from the International Chamber of Commerce to connect and mobilise businesses across industries, sectors and national borders in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy, pool resources and expertise creating greater critical mass than any single company or sector could do alone, amplify the voice and views of business to governments, increase awareness and understanding of counterfeiting and piracy activities and the associated economic and social harm, compel government action and the allocation of resources towards strengthened intellectual property rights enforcement, and create a culture change to ensure intellectual property is respected and protected.
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BEAMA
BEAMA provides leadership, expertise and independent influence in the areas of product safety, performance, energy efficiency and sustainability, in particular influencing UK and European policy. BEAMA has very broad experience in manufacturer representation with particular emphasis on product legislation, standards and market surveillance.
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Business Software Alliance
BSA works with national and local authorities around the world in a coordinated effort to change cultural perceptions among businesses and individuals about the legal use of software
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Center for Counterfeit Avoidance (CAMA)
To address the US counterfeit epidemic the USNC/IECQ has formed the Distributor Advisory Group (DAG) which participates in the development of International Conformity Assessment Rules of Procedures, International Training requirements and International Certification Body Recognition/Accreditation Rules. The USNC/IECQ represents the US electronic component Industry in the IEC IECQ.
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Chartered Trading Standards Institute
The CTSI provides business guidance on compliance with trading standards legislation
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ChipCheck
The new EU FP7 part funded two year project ChipCheck is seeking to address the issues generated by counterfeit electronic components with the development of a new inspection system
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Communications Cables and Connectivity Association
U.S. based trade association representing the interests of manufacturers and distributors of communications cable and connectivity products and material suppliers. Provides online resources to disseminate best practice to mitigate against counterfeit and non-compliant cables and connectivity products.
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Counterfeiting Kills
A website managed by the BEAMA Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group, which comprises members from all of the major brands in the circuit breaker and electrical accessory sectors, and exists to raise awareness and create a political will in affected countries, employ investigators to take group raid action at source, mainly in China and in market countries and establish international communication network between Far East, Middle East and Africa
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Does It Comply?
An industry initiative, lead by ACI, Anti-Counterfeiting Forum, BEAMA, LIA and GAMBICA and supported by Voltimum, to educate and inform contractors, installers, and specifiers to the damaging consequences to the industry from the trade in non-compliant product, whilst raising the profile to the wider stakeholders of issues with non-compliant products.
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ECC Corporation
Provides national and international value-added certified recognition for organisations involved with electronic components and related products and processes through the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Quality Assessment System
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Electrical Safety First
Organisation concerned with electrical safety in the UK both in the domestic and business environments also offering practical advice on counterfeit electrical products
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Electrical Safety Foundation International
ESFI runs a campaign 'Zero tolerance for counterfeits', which raises awareness of the presence and threats posed by counterfeit electrical equipment
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Electronic Components Industry Association
U.S based trade association representing component manufacturers, authorised distributors and independent field sales representatives, previously NEDA, the Components Council and Quality Committee maintain an interest in supply chain issues including counterfeiting.
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Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association
UK based trade association supporting users to improve the safety, environmental and operating performance of industrial facilities.
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ERAI
ERAI monitors, investigates and reports issues that are affecting the global supply chain of electronics providing in-depth information on counterfeit, substandard and high-risk parts, reporting and investigation services and information and risk mitigation solutions.
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EU - China IP Working Group
Starting in 2004, structured annual EU-China talks on IPR have been held alternately in Brussels and in Beijing, enabling both sides to share information on multilateral/bilateral IPR issues and national IP legislation and practices, and identify shortcomings and proposals for improvement.
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EU (European Union)
The EU is working on a number of fronts to increase IPR protection, working in the WTO to improve respect for IP rights and was a key supporter of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The EU negotiates provisions on IP rights protection in its bilateral trade agreements and works closely at a technical level with its trading partners on IP issues, with the authorities of certain third countries, the EU conducts "political dialogues" on IP issues (usually involving European industry), and/or runs technical co-operation programmes intended to help enhance IPR system. The EU is also involved in the development of a new Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
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European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA)
The Anti Counterfeiting Task Force within ESIA works with its counterpart within SIA to raise awareness throughout the US and EU communities of semiconductor counterfeiting and coordinates common industry action on both sides of the Atlantic by issuing and promoting guidelines for semiconductor purchasing and semiconductor manufacturers to mitigate counterfeits and issuing detection guidance and training for Border Control Authorities.
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European Trademark and Design Network
An online resource providing information on registered IP rights, contacts including enforcement authorities, products and logistics used by enforcement agencies. Right holders are able to file applications for action and receive alerts. The tool is connected with several intellectual property databases where updated information about the validity of the different rights can be found.
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Federation Against Software Theft - Investors in Software
The Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software (IiS) represent the UK software industry to strengthen and clarify the advice given to the end user community relating to best practice for Software Asset Management (SAM) and achieving cost efficient licence compliance.
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GIDEP (Government Industry Data Exchange Program)
A cooperative activity between government and industry participants seeking to reduce or eliminate expenditures of resources by sharing technical information essential during research, design, development, production and operational phases of the life cycle of systems, facilities and equipment
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Global Intellectual Property Center
An affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce leading a worldwide effort to champion intellectual property rights
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Hellios Information
A supplier information and risk management company developing and operating supplier pre-qualification, qualification and accreditation services for industry communities and multi-national companies, backed by extensive experience of procurement, supply chain management and compliance, and with world class specialist software technology, assessment and audit provision.
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
HMRC is responsible for frontier customs protection of IP rights in the UK and for processing applications for protection from IP rights holders. Physical checks at the frontier are undertaken by the UK Border Agency on behalf of HMRC.
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IDEA (Independent Distributors of Electronics Association)
An international trade association comprising organisations dedicated to quality initiatives that provide Responsible Procurement Solutions™ to the supply chain through the implementation of quality standards, certifications, best practices and counterfeit detection methods. Initiatives include IDEA-STD-1010 and IDEA-ICE-3000 and a suspect counterfeit list available to IDEA members only
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IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
The leading global organisation that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies that serve as a basis for national standardisation and as references when drafting international tenders and contracts. TC 107 develops process management standards on systems and equipment used in the field of avionics including electronics used in commercial, civil and military aerospace applications, is currently working on teh development of an international standard for the management of the threat of counterfeit components.
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IECQ
The IECQ (International Electrotechnical Commission Quality Asessment System for Electronic Components) is a worldwide approval and certification system for the supply of electronic components and associated materials and assemblies and processes using quality assessment specifications based on International Standards prepared by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
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IECQ Avionics Users Forum
Community for discussion and information exchange on relevant industry standards and their audit programmes both online and in face-to-face meetings..
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iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative)
A not-for-profit, highly efficient R&D consortium of approximately 90 leading electronics manufacturers, suppliers, associations, government agencies and universities.
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Intellectual Property Office
The Intellectual Property Office is the official government body responsible for Intellectual Property (IP) rights in the UK. These rights include patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. The Intellectual Property Office manages the IP Crime Group, which brings together Government, enforcement agencies and industry groups. The group aims to ensure a collaborative approach in addressing key IP crime (counterfeiting and piracy) issues.
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International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition
World’s largest non-profit organisation devoted solely to protecting intellectual property and deterring counterfeiting, membership spans from automotive, apparel, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals, to food, software and entertainment.
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International Hologram Manufacturers Association
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is made up of more than 90 of the world's leading hologram companies. IHMA members are the leading producers and converters of holograms for banknote security, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging, graphics and other commercial applications around the world. IHMA member companies actively cooperate to maintain the highest professional, security and quality standards
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National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center
The IPR Center employ a strategic approach to combat IP theft through investigation, focused inspections to keep counterfeit goods out of U.S. supply chains, and outreach and training
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OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry
The OECD launched a project in 2005 to assess the magnitude and impact of counterfeiting and piracy, to improve factual understanding and awareness of how large the problem is and the effects that infringements of intellectual property rights have on governments, business and consumers in member countries and non-member economies.
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Orgalime
Orgalime acts on behalf of the engineering sector in Europe to and is pressing the European Commission, which is already active in a number of areas, to promote more actions on the external markets in both countries producing counterfeits and those importing them, and to push for an improvement in the application of existing regulations.
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Product & Image Security Foundation
A non-profit making trade association with more than 100 members in 27 countries for manufacturers, suppliers and users of labels, tags, packaging, identification systems, materials and systems for any form of product security, brand image protection or product traceability applications and technology.
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Quality Brands Protection Committee
The QBPC comprises more than 180 multinational member companies and works with the Chinese government to address the issues of IPR infringement, including trademark counterfeiting and piracy, originating in China.
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React
A not-for-profit organization with over 20 years experience in fighting counterfeit trade with over 190 members, covering all areas of industry; including fashion and merchandising, tobacco, electronics and mobile phones, pharmaceuticals, football and toys
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Semiconductor Industry Association
The SIA Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) is working on a variety of fronts stop counterfeits from entering the marketplace
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Stopfakes
Website managed by the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements.
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The European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy
The European Commission run European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy is a platform to exchange information and to share best practices on enforcement. The Observatory also functions as a central resource for gathering, monitoring and reporting crucial information to improve knowledge about counterfeiting and piracy to target EU enforcement resources.
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The Obsolescence Management Portal
Non-profit knowledge sharing portal for all professionals covering product/project management, sustainment engineering and purchasing issues and suitable solutions.
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U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The NRC sets out its policy regarding the use of products in U.S. nuclear power plants with links to guidance documents, its safety culture policy statement and public presentations.
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UK IP Crime Group
The UK IP crime group was founded in 2004 by the Intellectual Property Office due to the need to bring together Government, enforcement agencies and industry groups. The group aims to ensure a collaborative approach in addressing key IP crime (counterfeiting and piracy) issues.
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UL
UL assists companies in a variety of areas including safety, compliance, quality, security and brand protection with services including inspection, education and training, testing, auditing and analytics, certification software solutions and marketing claim verification
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US Patent and Trademark Office
The US Patent and Trademark Office manages the Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) programme to combat the criminal networks that traffic counterfeit and pirated goods, stop trade in these goods at America's borders, block these goods around the world, and help small businesses secure and enforce their rights overseas.
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Voltimum
Provides an online portal for news, product innovations, training, certification, and expert advise related to every aspect of the electrical industry Voltimum also supports the Does It Comply? initiative to educate and inform contractors, installers and specifiers of the damaging consequences to the industry from the trade in non-compliant product, whilst raising the profile to the wider stakeholders of issues with non-compliant products.
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WAITO (World Anti Illicit Traffic Organisation)
WAITO aims to become a primary source of reference information on contemporary criminal threats in matters of counterfeiting crime. WAITO maintains close relationships with academia including criminologists, and supports original research and studies giving priority to counterfeit, non-compliant or adulterated products that are likely to endanger the health or safety of consumers including pharmaceuticals, food products, pesticides, tobacco, cosmetics, spare vehicle parts, raw materials for buildings and construction materials and equipment.
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WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
An agency of the United Nations dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.
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World Bearing Association (Stop Fake Bearings)
WBA is a non-profit and unincorporated industrial association founded in 2006 by the American Bearing Manufacturers' Association (AMBA), the Federation of European Bearing Manufacturers' Associations (FEBMA) and the Japan Bearing Industrial Association (JBIA). WBA runs the Stop Fake Bearings campaign to raise awareness about counterfeiting and help buyers, end users and distributors.
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World Customs Organization
The WCO introduced IPM to the world's senior customs officials during the WCO Council Meeting in June 2010. IPM is a secure communication tool for the exchange of information between right holders and customs administrations to combat counterfeiting including the provision for rights holders to provide information to a database accessible by field customs officers, a compendium of national legislation on intellectual property rights and 'counterfeiting' reports by sector.
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In the UK, companies supplying counterfeit components to the electronics supply chain are committing offences, which are of interest to Trading Standards and other law enforcement agencies. If such offences are reported to them, they will investigate.

The Intellectual Property Office encourages traders to take the matter up with their local Trading standards office for two reasons:

1. There may be criminal offences committed by the supplier of the components under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994, for selling goods which bear, or the packaging of which bears a sign identical to or likely to be mistaken for a registered Trade Mark. Law enforcement may wish to launch criminal proceedings against that supplier. Note that, if you identify components as being counterfeit and return them to your supplier, you are also committing an offence under the same Act. You should therefore retain possession of the components, withhold payment and advise your supplier that you are reporting to the matter to Trading Standards;

2. Counterfeit components that do not confirm to the specification of the original part may be inherently dangerous or render the equipment in which they are a component dangerous. In many instances this can be the case, where the definition of 'counterfeit' differs from that relevant to Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994. This may constitute offences under safety legislation such as the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

The ESCO also asks that you help your fellow electronics supply chain colleagues by uploading the details of the counterfeit parts to our suspected / alleged counterfeit component database, which can be accessed at Suspect Database. You will need to log on to access this page. If you do not have a password, you can register free of charge at Register. We have imposed this condition so that we can moderate the database to prevent any potentially inaccurate or malicious entries. However, your identity on the database is limited to your user name, which you can modify if you wish to retain a degree of anonymity.

The Intellectual Property Office suggests that you may want to consider maintaining a business relationship with your local Trading Standards office so that you have a single point of contact to take your queries to. To find information on your local Trading Standards office, visit Weblink

EC Regulation No 1383/2003 concerning customs action against IPR infringement
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EU Information for IP rights holders on applying for action to be taken by customs
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Guidance from the Intellectual Property Office: IP and Brexit
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Information from the UK Intellectual Property Office on enforcing your IP
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Proposed U.S Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act
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The UK IP Crime Strategy 2011
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UK Consumer Rights Bill: Statement on Policy Reform and Responses to Pre-Legislative Scrutiny
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UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
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UK Government response: Consultation on proposed amendments to the Patents Rules 2007
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UK Intellectual Property Act 2014 Section 13
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UK Patents Act 1977
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UK Registered Designs Rules 2006
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UK Sale of Goods Act Fact Sheet
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UK Trade Marks Act 1994, as amended
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US National Defense Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (see section 818)
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US Responsible Electronics Recycling Act
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