Vol. 414 No. 9
7 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has satisfied himself that his Department have sufficient powers to prevent the production of counterfeit products; if he has received any complaints from manufacturers and distributors about the selling of such products; if he will outline the action he proposes to take if he currently has inadequate powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have been approached by a number of distributors in relation to counterfeiting of their products. I should point out that it is primarily a matter for the registered owner of a trademark to protect against the unauthorised use of the mark, if necessary through the courts. Also, under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, as amended by the Consumer Information Act, 1978, the director of consumer affairs may prosecute offences relating to false trade description and false trade marks.
I am prepared to consider appropriate amendments to the law if, on examination, the current law proves to be deficient.
