Peggy E. Chaudhry Knihy

The attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December, 1941, has been portrayed by historians as a dazzling success, brilliantly conceived and meticulously planned.

The expansion of world trade has led to a significant rise in counterfeit merchandise, with estimates of the global counterfeit market reaching around half a trillion dollars annually. This illicit trade affects nearly every industry, from pharmaceuticals to aircraft parts, with software and music piracy frequently highlighted in the media. In 2007, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) reported that 38% of personal computer software worldwide was illegal, resulting in $48 billion in losses for the software industry. Similarly, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) noted a 58% increase in counterfeit CD seizures. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the severe issues surrounding intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, there has been little effort to comprehensively address the problem. This work aims to provide a thorough examination of the IPR landscape globally. A holistic understanding must consider consumer complicity in purchasing counterfeit goods, the tactics employed by counterfeiters, and the actions or inactions of governments and international organizations. The book outlines the environmental aspects of piracy, highlights successful anti-counterfeiting measures, and recommends strategies for IPR owners to safeguard their intellectual property effectively.

Focusing on the counterfeit goods trade, this book provides an in-depth analysis of its global scale and strategic implications. It explores the prevalence of counterfeit products in major cities like Paris and New York, revealing the complexities of this illicit market. By examining the economic and business dynamics behind counterfeiting, it offers a comprehensive understanding of its impact on industries and consumers worldwide.

The book delves into the complex landscape of global intellectual property rights, examining the strategies employed by counterfeiters and the consumer demand that fuels the counterfeit market. It highlights the role of government actions, or lack thereof, as well as the influence of international organizations and industry alliances in the ongoing battle to protect intellectual property. Through this exploration, it offers insights into the challenges and dynamics of safeguarding creative works in a globalized economy.

This survey of global intellectual property rights explores tactics of counterfeiters, consumer desire for counterfeit goods, government action (or inaction), international organizations and industry alliances and strategy for protecting intellectual property.