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EGA Press Release

Tuesday, 09 March 2004

Statement on the Vote in the European Parliament on the IP Enforcement Directive.

Message from EGA Director General, Greg Perry:

“The EGA is concerned by the final outcome of today’s vote on the IP Enforcement Directive in the European Parliament (Fourtou Report).

Whilst we totally welcome all the measures in the proposed Directive aimed at combating counterfeiting and piracy, we are not fully convinced that the measures proposed to prevent abuse of the litigation system against legitimate competition are strong enough.

We had hoped that MEPs would adopt an amendment tabled at plenary that provided added safeguards. Unfortunately due to the rush to get this Directive adopted in line with the Council of Ministers and before the European Elections, this was not possible.

Clearly the MEPs’ intention today is to give a much-needed blow against counterfeiters. It is therefore critical at national level that the Member States do not allow the measures in this Directive to be later abused by allowing unfounded and frivolous litigation against legitimate competitors.”

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