3 Oct 2010

Global deal to combat counterfeiting close

10:52 am on 3 October 2010

Negotiators from 37 countries, including New Zealand, have reached an agreement in principle on an international treaty to crack down on counterfeit and pirated products.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is designed to create an international framework to halt the distribution of counterfeit brand goods and pirated music and film products.

After meeting in Tokyo, the participating countries issued a statement on Saturdy sahing nearly all substantive issues had been resolved and work would be done to conclude a small number of outstanding issues.

The 37 countries are Japan, the United States, members of the European Union, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Mexico and Morocco.

The meeting excluded China, where counterfeit products are widely produced and distributed. To make the accord effective, the participating countries are expected to call on China and other nations to join the framework.

Japan called for creating the treaty. Negotiations with other countries began in 2008.