The majority of copying and fraud involves software and clothing items.

One aspect of this is known as bootlegging. This is where someone copies a program, CD, performance, etc., and sells it on the streets. According to Mike Edward’s of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry claims that world wide CD piracy accounts for 6.5% of the industries annual sales.

A different approach to borrowing one’s idea doesn’t necessarily copy the product. Instead it involves misleading the consumer. As in one case, the Miller Brewing Company developed a new beer with a label similar to Annheuser Busch’s, who is currently th

e number one brewer in America. The “new brew” was aimed at taking away sales from “the King of Beers.”

Besides profit loss for real companies, some counterfeited products can really endanger the public’s safety. Over the past 20 years, fake airplane bolts have damaged their engines, fake birth control pills have cause internal bleeding, and phoney brake pads have caused fatal accidents. Most counterfeiter realize that what they are doing is illegal, but don’t realize its affects on society.

I have come to the conclusion that counterfeiting is a bigger problem than I realized. Extreme measures need to be taken to crack down on idea stealing and counterfeiting. It is not fair to the consumer who is trying to get a quality item for their dollar. It also is not fair to businesses who are trying to make an honest buck. Perhaps the government should focus on just what is imported into our country.

Digital technology is becoming a big problem for graphic artists who are trying to protect their creations. Scanners have made it very easy to duplicate images instantly. The creator must apply for a copyright in order to be able to sue for fraud. Images that are not copyrighted are in the public domain. Also, copyrights expire 50 years after

Some topics in this essay:
Department Citrus, , Trademark Office, Office Washington, Phonographic Industry, Annheuser Busch’s, Beers” Logos, Brewing Company, OJ Simpson, Patent Office, registered federal, people gained, counterfeited products, trademark office, patent trademark office, patent trademark,