The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP), of which AAFA is an active member, released recommendations on steps companies can take to protect their supply chains from counterfeiters and modern-day pirates. Issued in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the “No Trade in Fakes Supply Chain Tool Kit” provides companies with specific steps they can take to prevent their products and services from being counterfeited or pirated. It contains best practice guidelines and seven case studies of companies that devised and implemented aggressive techniques to fight counterfeiting and piracy and protects themselves and their customers.

One case study involved New Balance, whose success is tied to the integrity and visibility of its brand. “Footwear counterfeiters aren’t just making a fake product; they’re diluting the brand, damaging the company’s reputation, and undermining the worldwide salability of the product,” said Ed Haddad, Vice President, Intellectual Property and Licensed Products, New Balance. “Counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy as much as $250 billion every year,” said AAFA President & CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Apparel and footwear companies face this problem every day as they seek to protect the value of their brands and prevent knockoffs of inferior quality and questionable safety from coming to the marketplace.”

AAFA has established a Brand Protection Council, which is dedicated to combating brand counterfeiting and product piracy. For more information, please contact Susan Lapetina at 703-797-9055 or Kurt Courtney at 703-797-9034.