Is Your Office A Marketplace?

Intellectual property is the lifeblood of many businesses, whether they are large or small in size, and its theft is highly detrimental, affecting both them, and the national economy as a whole. Examples of intellectual property include patents, designs, software, brand names, and original works of art such as books, music, and films.

Commonly known as “Piracy” or, where fake goods are produced, “Counterfeiting”, the theft of intellectual property can take place in any marketplace, including the internet, in retail premises, at car boot sales and more increasingly within the workplace.

Intellectual property theft in the workplace can take place when unlicensed software is used or shared, or employees or people from outside copy and sell DVDs and CDs. It can also occur when employees illegally download files or share files using the resources employers provide them.

Use of employer’s premises or facilities could have repercussions both for employer and employee. Devon Trading Standards recognises that businesses may need to take action to protect themselves from this criminal activity and endorses the following websites as further sources of advice in relation to IP crime in the workplace:

Alliance against Intellectual Property Theft

The Anti Counterfeiting Group

Anti Fakes Poster (463KB - pdf help)

If you would like to report the sale or production of counterfiet material, please telephone 08454 040506.  You can give information anonymously if preferred.

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