URSB Warns Innovators Face Losses Without Strong Protection Against Counterfeit Trade
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has urged stronger protection for innovators and entrepreneurs, warning that businesses risk suffering significant financial losses when their products, brands and ideas are copied by counterfeiters.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on the proposed Counterfeit Bill, 2023, URSB Senior Compliance Officer Immaculate Nakato Mukuye said young innovators would benefit greatly from the legislation if it is passed.Mukuye noted that although many entrepreneurs invest considerable resources in developing products and building brands, some lack adequate protection against individuals who reproduce their innovations without permission.
She said counterfeiters can exploit successful brands and products, depriving legitimate innovators of income while undermining the investments they have made in developing their businesses.The Counterfeit Bill, 2023, was introduced by Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Asuman Basalirwa to address the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit and substandard goods in Uganda.The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the trade in counterfeit goods that infringe protected intellectual property rights, create offences related to counterfeit activities and strengthen enforcement against individuals and businesses involved in the production and distribution of fake products.
Basalirwa said Uganda’s existing intellectual property laws largely provide remedies through courts after infringement has occurred, but argued that stronger administrative mechanisms are needed through national intellectual property institutions.He further warned that counterfeit and pirated products undermine legitimate businesses, cause financial losses to intellectual property rights holders and may contribute to organised criminal activities.The proposed legislation is therefore intended to strengthen the protection of creativity and innovation while promoting fair competition and protecting consumers from fake and substandard products.
