Brand Protection

Anti-counterfeiting activities play a crucial role in fostering the creation of a healthy society. Counterfeit goods not only pose a threat to the economy but also jeopardize public safety and well-being. By actively combating counterfeiting, we protect consumers from purchasing substandard and potentially harmful products. Additionally, these efforts safeguard the reputation and integrity of genuine brands, ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Through our anti-counterfeiting initiatives, we aim to promote consumer trust, uphold ethical business practices, and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

Counterfeiting and unauthorized use of intellectual property have detrimental effects on society in several ways:

1. Consumer deception: Counterfeit products deceive consumers by falsely claiming to be genuine, leading to dissatisfaction, financial loss, and potential harm if the product is of substandard quality or poses safety risks.
2. Health and safety risks: Counterfeit goods can pose serious health and safety risks to consumers. These products may not undergo proper quality control checks, potentially leading to accidents, injuries, or even loss of life.
3. Economic impact: Counterfeiting undermines legitimate businesses, resulting in revenue losses, job cuts, and reduced economic growth. It also leads to decreased tax revenues for governments, affecting public services and infrastructure development.
4. Innovation stifling: Counterfeiting discourages investment in research and development by undermining the profitability of genuine products. This hampers innovation and stifles technological advancements that could benefit society as a whole.
5. Organized crime and funding terrorism: Counterfeiting is often linked to organized crime networks, as it provides a lucrative source of income. The profits generated from counterfeit goods can be used to fund other illegal activities, including terrorism, posing a threat to national security.
6. Environmental impact: Counterfeit goods often lack proper manufacturing standards and may contain hazardous materials. The disposal of seized counterfeit products can have adverse environmental effects, contributing to pollution and waste management challenges.

By actively addressing the negative impacts of counterfeiting and implementing effective anti-counterfeiting measures, we can contribute to the creation of a society that prioritizes consumer safety, encourages innovation, drives economic growth, and upholds ethical and legal practices. Together, we can build a society that values authenticity, protects intellectual property, and ensures the well-being of individuals and communities.

Indeed, aiming to eliminate counterfeit goods is an essential aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). By implementing strong anti-counterfeit policies, companies demonstrate their commitment to addressing the social issues caused by counterfeit products. In 2019, the Japanese government's SDGs Action Plan incorporated measures against counterfeit products, and the Panasonic Group played a role in advocating for this inclusion. Currently, we are actively collaborating with the Japanese government, other companies, and international governments through the International Intellectual Property Protection Forum (IIPPF). This industry organization is dedicated to addressing the issue of counterfeiting and taking collective action. The underlying principle is that eliminating counterfeit products will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By participating in these initiatives, we are actively working towards creating a society that values intellectual property protection, promotes responsible business practices, and aligns with the global agenda for sustainable development.

Recent trends indicate a significant surge in the sale of counterfeit goods online, in addition to those sold in physical markets. The online platform has made it easier for counterfeit products to be sold globally, surpassing the challenges faced by traditional retail methods. Transactions occur swiftly and often without the buyer having a chance to inspect the actual product, thereby increasing the risk of unintentional purchases by unsuspecting consumers. In light of these circumstances, Panasonic Group recognizes the urgency to collaborate with consumers in our collective efforts to eradicate counterfeit goods and contribute to the creation of a better world.

Here, we would like to provide more information about our anti-counterfeiting activities.

We, Panasonic group take a wide range of actions throughout the entire business channel, from upstream to downstream, on a global scale.