One of the biggest obstacles for SMEs that would like to use intellectual property (IP) in developing countries is the policing and enforcement of their IP abroad, particularly in leading markets like the United States and Europe. The trade in counterfeit goods is definitely no longer limited to cheap copies of luxury goods; almost every product on the market is being illegally copied, including food, pharmaceuticals, airplane parts, toys and electronic goods. This guide will discuss the different cost-effective methods SMEs have used to ensure their IP rights are not violated.
Photo © Ivan Mateev 2007