12/5/2008 8:32:08 AM Two-Thirds of Canadians Say No to Counterfeiting, Citing Job Losses and Economic Fears Toronto, Dec. 3, 2008 – Two-thirds of Canadians say that, given the state of the economy, it’s less justifiable to buy counterfeit goods because of the harm to manufacturers, retailers and employees, according to a new, national public opinion poll. The Environics Research survey into Canadians’ attitudes toward counterfeiting also found strong support for government action against the trade in knock-off products. Three in four Canadians (73 percent) are likely to support a political party that imposes laws and enforcement against counterfeiting, and 63 percent want tougher measures if organized crime is involved. “With rising concerns over job losses and the economy, Canadians want action on issues that could threaten their livelihoods, and that includes measures against counterfeiting,” said Bob Weese, Chair, Canadian Intellectual Property Council and Vice President, GE Canada. “The government should move quickly on its Throne Speech commitments to strengthen legislation and enforcement in this area.” The survey, commissioned by the Canadian Intellectual Property Council, found that counterfeiting is prevalent in Canada. More than one-quarter of Canadians acknowledge purchasing counterfeit goods, including 19 percent who knowingly purchased them and a further 9 percent who subsequently discovered they were knock-offs. The most common purchases are counterfeit clothing (44 percent), sunglasses (30 percent), handbags/purses (28 percent), movies (25 percent), watches (23 percent) and music (23 percent). Approximately two-thirds of Canadians who have bought knock-off goods would be willing to buy the genuine item if a counterfeit version was not available, according to the poll. “This indicates that anti-counterfeiting measures would strengthen the legitimate economy by driving business to legal manufacturers, distributors and retailers,” Weese said, noting RCMP estimates that counterfeiting causes billions of dollars in losses to the Canadian economy. While public awareness is high that clothing, watches, music and movies are commonly copied and sold as counterfeits, relatively few Canadians are aware that this is the case for drugs (51 percent), toys (44 percent), batteries (28 percent) and extension cords (22 percent). “We need to better explain to Canadians how counterfeiting affects not only their jobs and the economy, but also their personal safety,” said Weese. Survey methodology: The Environics national public opinion survey was conducted by telephone from Nov. 12 – 20, 2008, among a random sample of 2014 Canadians aged 18 and over. The sampling error is plus or minus 2.18 percent, 19 times out of 20. About the Canadian Intellectual Property Council The Canadian Intellectual Property Council (CIPC) is a Canadian business coalition designed to provide a central voice to press for stronger intellectual property protection both in Canada and worldwide. CIPC’s main objectives are to ensure that the Canadian government provides the necessary resources to create the right environment for an innovative economy to flourish in Canada and fight the rampant counterfeiting and piracy of intellectual property. For more information, contact: David MacDonald Senior Vice-President 416-969-2814 David.macdonald@environics.ca [ Latest News Articles ]       [ View Past Articles ]