On July 18, 2024, the Fair Competition Commission hosted an event to commemorate World Anti-Counterfeit Day. This year’s theme, “Upholding Authenticity: Safeguarding Creativity for Economic Growth,” underscored the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and fostering innovation for sustainable economic development. The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Exaud S. Kigahe, Deputy Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade, who represented the Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa.
Attendance:
The event featured a diverse array of business owners, including prominent brands such as Toyota, Unilever, and Superdoll, alongside various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These companies not only showcased their products but also provided detailed demonstrations and explanations on distinguishing original products from counterfeit ones. Through informative presentations and interactive displays, participants were given valuable insights into the characteristics and quality markers of authentic goods, highlighting the critical differences between genuine and counterfeit items.
Panel Discussions:
- The first panel discussion centered on the topic “Best Practice for Comprehensive Brand Protection.” The session was moderated by Crispin Mwebesa and the panelist for this discussion were Kristin Thackwell, Legal Manager of East Africa Colgate Palmolive, Elia Joseph Mlay, CEO of Tanzania Association of Small Scale Industries and Manufactures (TASSIM), Neema Magimba, Partner at Extent Corporate Advisory and Paul Ramara, Partner at Spoor & Fisher, Pretoria. The panelist provided valuable insights and strategies on effective brand protection, drawing from their extensive experience and expertise in the field. The discussion highlighted various aspects of brand protection, including legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard brand integrity.
- The second panel discussion was moderated by Noreen Maghimbi, Trademark Prosecution Associate at Extent Corporate Advisory. The session addressed the critical topic of “Effects of Bad Faith Trademark Registration”, providing a comprehensive analysis of its implication on brand equity and market competition. The panel featured a distinguished group of experts: Seka Kasera, Deputy Registrar of Trade and Service Marks at BRELA, Nabiry Jumanne, Partner at Extent Corporate Advisory and Khadija Ngasongwa, Director of Anti Counterfeits – Fair Competition Commission. Each panelist contributed valuable insights into the challenges and repercussions of bad faith trademark registrations, discussing their impact on both businesses and consumers. The discussion provided a thorough examination of the legal, economic and ethical dimensions of this issue.
Conclusion:
The event underscored the need for proactive brand protection strategies and addressed the detrimental effects of bad faith trademark registrations on brand equity and market competition. Industry leaders and experts shared valuable insights, reinforcing a collective commitment to preserving market authenticity and upholding the integrity of brands.