Piracy remains a problem for German machinery suppliers, including those in the plastics and rubber sector, the German machinery manufacturers association VDMA (www.kug.vdma.org) has warned.

A VDMA survey on product and trademark piracy showed that more than 50% of its members have been affected by piracy, with 9% of those affected coming from the plastics and rubber machinery manufacturing industry. “The attractive nature of German products has its downside,” observed Thorsten Kühmann, MD of the VDMA’s plastics and rubber machinery association.

The VDMA said it is stepping up its fight against product piracy by providing legal support and advice. “The internet makes many things a great deal more transparent, including the violation of industrial property rights,” said Marc Wiesner, product piracy expert in VDMA’s legal department. It is much easier now for company representatives to spot products being marketed that are deceptively similar to their own or that are illegal imitations, the VDMA said. While the internet facilitates the selling of illegal goods, it also reveals infringements of rights quickly wherever they occur.
According to the survey, pirated goods are most prevalent in Asia, with China heading the list.
Investigations by the VDMA have revealed a rising trend for the imitation of complete machines. “Unlawful behaviour will be combated with every means available,” the Association stressed.