How to Combat Counterfeiting? 
A Fulbright Academy of Science & Technology Conference

Counterfeiting is a $700 billion industry.  Counterfeit products affect many segments of society, and it is not just a money issue.  Counterfeit products can kill, can cause major damage, and generate money for illegal activities.

• the consumer buys bugus food, drugs or other products
• the producer may lose market share and reputation for high-quality products
• the government loses tax revenues and must address corruption that is part of the production & sale of counterfeit products.

NOTICE:  This conference was originally proposed for October 2009, but due to the unstable economy and its impact on corporate sponsors and corporate travel, the conference has been postponed. The new date and location have not been determined.  

WHY THIS CONFERENCE?

• Understand new legal, policy and science/technology efforts to combat the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit and knock-off products.
• Protect human health and society at large by reducing circulation of dangerous or hazardous counterfeit products.
• Share knowledge and promote new ideas, technologies and solutions developed by leading businesses, agencies, researchers.
• Educate executives, lawyers and other professionals about current trends – focusing on the needs of those who are not experts in counterfeiting.

This multi-disciplinary, multi-national conference will be of interest to Fulbright scholars and other leaders, such as:

• Food products and related products (pet food, agricultural goods)
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Media, cinema, digital materials, and fine arts
• Luxury goods and high-end products
• Manufacturers of distributers of industrial products
• Legal experts representing manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other parties
• Government officials and policy makers 
• Enforcement, including customs officials, police, government prosecutors
• Academic community, including technology, policy, law, science and research

A prospectus for interested sponsors and partners is available upon request.

Background Information: 

• National GeographicFilm:  Illicit: The Dark Trade (2008) 
• Booz Allen Hamilgon:  Drug Counterfeiting Forcing Pharmaceutical Manufacturers To Act (2006)
• Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development:  The Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy (2008)
• UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute:  Report on Counterfeiting and Organized Crime (2007)

 The Fulbright Academy is planning to host this conference in 2010.  

 If you would like to get involved as an advisor or committee member, please call Eric Howard at +1-207-799-3098.

Committee Members (as of 15 Jan 2009)

• Eric Howard, Executive Director, Fulbright Academy
• Torsten Kracht, Partner, Hunton & Williams, LLP
• Christopher Paun, PhD Student, Bremen International School of Social Sciences
• Fritz Wintersteller,  Managing Director Business Development, Salzburger Aluminium AG
• Glenn Wood, international anti-counterfeiting technology consultant

This conference was originally proposed for Fall 2009, but due to the unstable economy and its impact on corporate sponsors and corporate travel, the conference has been delayed for one year.

 A several page document for Conference sponsors and partners is available upon request.

Proposed registration fees

• $730 - for those from the USA and higher income countries and multinational entities
• $420 - for academic researchers, government officials, retirees and current Fulbright scholars
• $200 - for those from lower income countries
• The registration form is available for download - see above.

Registration Discounts

• 10% discount for employees of institutional members
• 10% discount for group registrations (2+ people)
• Maximum discount is 30%.