The Authentication Forum discusses counterfeiting

Industry leaders and global experts along with top authorities from Government and regulatory converged at New Delhi to address the various challenges counterfeiting poses to the industry, discuss solutions and effective strategies, in order to protect brands, businesses and above all consumer rights.

The summit was attended by 216 attendees with notable presence of senior delegations from Pfizer, Godfrey Phillips India Limited, Anand and Anand, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Rusan Pharma Ltd, Securikett Ulrich & Horn GmbH, Umeeka Packaging Pvt Ltd, Tesa Scribos GmbH, Secura Bangladesh, SICPA India, Vasu Healthcare, Matrix Technologies, Gopsons Papers, Modi Naturals Limited, Gujarat Tea Processors & Packers Limited, D D Packaging, ITC Ltd, Kezzler Hindustan, Rolling Optics, Optrical Limited, Onspot Solutions, Mital International, Bilcare Research Limited among others.

The seminar was inaugurated by Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, India’s Sherpa to G7 along with G20 and former Union Minister, Government of India; and Hon’ble Justice Manmohan Sarin, Former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir & Judge, High Court of Delhi and Mr Nakul Pasricha, President, Authentication Solution Provider Association (ASPA).

Suresh Prabhu said, ‘I am very happy to attend this forum and see the commitment of the industry towards fighting counterfeiting. This forum is an assurance to the customer that his interest is protected and quality which is promised will be delivered.  We need to create a strong informed choice for customers and government needs to play a crucial role by forming and implementing standards and guidelines to spread more awareness.’

Hon’ble Justice Manmohan Sarin, said: ‘It is recognised that counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade reached to great levels in 2016 and amounted to as much as USD 509 billion. Counterfeiting results in loss of jobs curtailing the growth of industries. The potential of creating havoc in healthcare systems by spurious drugs can result in loss of human lives. Socio-Economic crimes, such as counterfeiting, infringement of trademark, copyright i.e. IP cases need to be expedited on priority. The Authentication Forum and its members can play a significant role in providing low cost, easy to use solutions for detecting counterfeit products from genuine ones.’

Pasricha added, ‘ASPA is trying it’s best to create awareness and support the Government, industry and consumers in fighting counterfeiting and building authentic eco-systems in the country. We believe the leadership summit will empower the Industry in fight against counterfeiting, the crime of the 21st century. We are enthusiastic to see the positive response and support from Government and industry in the fight against fakes and are confident that this powerful stage for anti-counterfeiting will enable key decision makers at all levels to enhance their knowledge and to fight counterfeits. ‘

Holostik India Ltd., Kumbhat Holograms, Fasiculus, HP, Manipal Technologies Limited, Giriraj Foils Pvt Limited and Veritech were among the associates who have strongly supported the forum. The show was also supported by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) and Consumer Rights Organisation (CRO).

The next edition of this conference will take place in the year 2020.

Read a detailed report in Labels & Labeling issue 6, 2019.