One of the issues identified by the Board of AmCham as crucial to the development of the Hungarian economy is the combating counterfeiting and piracy. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducts an annual review of the global state of IP rights protection and enforcement: the Special 301 Report. The USTR has created a “Priority Watch List” and “Watch List”. When a trading partner is placed on the Priority Watch List or Watch List, this indicates that particular problems exist within that country with respect to IP protection. Countries placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem areas. Hungary was on the Watch List in 2007 and remained there in 2008.
Therefore the Board of Governors of AmCham had re-established the Anti-illicit Trade Committee in 2008 and appointed Dr. Gusztáv Bacher (Szecskay Attorneys at Law) as the Chairperson of the Committee.
The Committee is composed of 8 IPR-experts (marketing directors, lawyers, legal advisors) working in different sectors, such as the field of pharmaceuticals, creative and informatics industry, cosmetic products and tobacco.
The work of the Committee focuses on the ways in which intellectual property (IP) owners can take initiative in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.
Cooperation with Government Agencies - HENT
The National Board Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (HENT) was established in 2008 and AmCham was entitled to delegate one member of the Board.
Maintaining background relationship with IPR-related authorities
The legal framework may be improved by an exchange of experience among the organizations involved in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy and the competent authorities. Therefore the Committee initiated a background dialogue, which may boost the effectiveness of a whole range of instruments for protecting IP and combating counterfeiting and piracy.
Cooperation with other AmCham Committees
Due to the proximity of the issues, there is regular contact with the IT committee.
Informing consumers on the importance of IP rights
There is a certain need in society for counterfeited products that can be usually obtained cheaper than the originals thereof, which is one of the main reasons why the society does not much reject this kind of unlawful conduct. HENT's proposed activity therefore also includes the initiation of certain actions that may increase awareness and change society's approach concerning the protection and enforcement of IP rights.
Meeting with US Government representatives
The Anti-Illicit Trade Committee of AmCham met with Ms. Erin Cathleen McConaha, Director of European Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative of the Executive Office of the President on October 1, 2009 at the AmCham office. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Péter Dávid, Chief Executive Office of AmCham, and was attended by Mr. Steven T. Weston, Economic Officer at the Embassy of the United States of America, by Ms. Marianne Drain, Commercial Officer at the Embassy of the United States of America and by Dr. Zsófia Lendvai, attorney of Baker & McKenzie, as member of the Committee.
The main topic was the enforcement of intellectual property rights in Hungary. Dr. Lendvai presented the newest improvement on the side of the legislator and the law enfrocement bodies, as well as about some problems which slow down or even hinder the effective enforcement. The question about Hungary being on the US watchlist for intellectual property enforcement was raised and Ms. McConaha promised to give a closer look to the issue with the hope of taking Hungary off this list.
