As India begins to navigate its transition into the ‘new normal’ with Unlock 1.0, the Indian Custom
authorities continue their relentless efforts for protecting borders from entry of infringing goods. United
IPR presented in the online workshop organized by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in
collaboration with the National Academy of Customs Indirect Tax and Narcotics (NACIN), Faridabad on
June 3, 2020 on “Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights by Indian Customs” for the officers of Indian
Customs. The workshop was attended by 60 customs officials from different ports across the country. It
commenced with a technical session delivered by Mr. Sudarshan Kumar Bansal, Senior Partner- United
IPR who discussed on the categories of IPR’s relevant for the Indian Customs and also illustrated various
modes in which infringement occurs. Whilst recognizing the importance and role played by the Indian
Custom authorities in the robust & effective implementation of the IPR laws at the territorial borders, he
also discussed the specific practical challenges in curbing the ever-increasing market for counterfeit and
pirate goods.
The workshop continued with a session which dealt with the regulatory framework under Indian legal
regime dealing with the procedure for registration, interdiction, suspension, determination and
destruction of IPR infringing goods. The participating officers were able to learn about the best practices
followed by other custom authorities in enforcement of IP Rights, specific inputs and intelligence of
suspicious consignments, doctrine of international exhaustion and the ways to prevent the entry of grey
market goods in the country.
The technical sessions were followed by presentations on behalf of various well-known brands by their
respective representatives who participated in the workshop with the aim to equip the custom officials
with vital inputs pertaining to distribution and supply chain of original goods, tips for detecting suspicious
consignments and various methodologies to aid the officials in differentiating between original product
from counterfeit. The representatives also appreciated the Indian Customs for their continued
cooperation in enforcing IP rights.
United IPR remains grateful to the Customs authorities who continue to work in the toughest conditions
and is proud to play a part in assisting the officers in discharging their mandate.