HP Fights Counterfeit Trade in Africa

Hewlett-Packard (HP) is hosting an Anti-Counterfeiting Africa Conference in Johannesburg, reports HumanIPO. The OEM said it aims to enhance awareness of the impact and consequences of counterfeit trade. Government officials, law-enforcers and representatives of ministries responsible for anti-counterfeiting will attend the summit event to discuss consumer protection and how to increase awareness against counterfeits.

Regarding the growing number of counterfeits in global trade, HP observed that Africa is going to be targeted as a market for counterfeit business. Further, Africa is likely being used as a transit route for fake products. The OEM believes this could be an indirect threat to European and American markets.

As was revealed, HP has conducted about 1,600 investigations in Europe, and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) during the last five years. Along with 1,300 enforcement actions, there were around 11 million units of counterfeit products and components seized. In addition, the OEM has made 4,000 unannounced inspections of HP products at the warehouses of HP’s Channel Partners across this region in the same period. This action was aimed at verifying that those Partners are not selling counterfeit products.

Jeff Kwasny, Brand Protection Programme Manager for HP’s Printing and Personal Systems Group, noted, “False goods impact businesses and global trade through lost revenue, damage to brands and the negative effects on hard-earned reputation and consumer confidence. At the 2014 Anti-Counterfeiting Africa Conference, we are bringing together those most affected by counterfeits in the region—from policy makers to brands like Unilever and Nike—so that we can work towards tackling this criminal activity together.”

“The HP Anti-Counterfeiting Program works hard to protect Partners and Customers, but this is only made possible through close collaboration with law enforcers around the world,” commented Fabrice Campoy, Printing and Personal Systems Africa Director. “We therefore truly appreciate the cooperation of African law enforcement to helping to make this event possible, and protect African customers from the inferior standards and potential risks of counterfeit.”