)The Nigeria Customs Service, Zone ‘A’, Lagos, says it has partnered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the fight against counterfeit goods within the zone.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Edeminam Akaninyene, in a statement in Lagos said that the collaboration would focus on strengthening Intellectual Property (IP) protection, border enforcement and combating counterfeit goods.
He explained that the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, (ACG) Mohammed Babandede received the delegation and welcomed the strategic partnership on Wednesday.
Babandede reaffirmed Zone ‘A’s commitment to promoting legitimate trade and protecting intellectual property rights.
The zonal coordinator said effective intellectual property, enforcement safeguards businesses, protects consumers and encourages innovation.
According to the ACG, the enforcement would also strengthen government revenue and enhance national economic security.
The ACG stressed the need for intelligence sharing, capacity building and technology deployment.
He called for sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders in the intellectual property ecosystem.
Babandede described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen institutional relations and cooperation.
USPTO representative, Mrs Julie LeBlanc, underscored closer collaboration between IP institutions and border agencies.
LeBlanc said the partnership was key to stopping illicit movement of counterfeit and infringing products.
The Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, urged manufacturers to share product, distribution and supply chain data.
Aliyu said such information would enhance the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two institutions during the meeting, pledged commitment to a secure, transparent and efficient trading environment.(NAN)
