Penalties for counterfeit goods in markets are coming - Law enters into force on August 16, more protection for businesses and consumers
The law, which aims to provide more protection to foreign and Albanian businesses that have registered trademarks that are being misused, comes into force on August 16.
This law aims to put a stop to importers and traders in Albania who have filled stores and markets with "fake" goods that bear internationally recognized names and logos and are sold at cheap prices but sometimes at inflated prices, deceiving consumers.
These negative efforts, in addition to harming the economic interests of the owners of reputable brands in the market, also harm and distort the market and the interests of consumers.
Often, Albanian citizens and foreign tourists have fallen prey to fraud, thinking they are buying a brand, but in fact they are buying a poor quality product from a merchant who has damaged the ownership rights of the parent company.
The new law gives trademark owners who are affected by infringing actions the right to file lawsuits, present and provide evidence, request interim measures to prevent an infringement, and remove from circulation, confiscate and place under control goods that are suspected of infringing previously registered trademark rights.
It also defines in more detail the measures to be taken in the event of infringements of rights arising from trademarks, such as the prohibition of goods or services that infringe trademark rights, the removal or blocking from civil circulation of infringing goods or services, as well as the materials, equipment and tools used to create or produce these infringing goods or services.
The law also addresses compensation for damages to previous trademark owners from infringements and attempts by infringers who abuse by using other owners' trademarks without authorization. On the other hand, it provides for heavy fines and criminal penalties for abusers.
Meanwhile, awareness of "securing" the name against any imitation or theft has increased significantly among Albanian businesses. In 2024, 1575 applications for trademark registration were filed with the General Directorate of Industrial Property.
This figure is the highest in at least the last 4 years and an increase of 16.8% compared to the previous year.
What are the scams that can empty your bank accounts? - Sadiku: Banks never request information through SMS messages or emails
Have you received emails or phone messages from numbers that pretend to be from your bank, with links asking for your banking details? If so, this was an......
Which is the most "hardworking" region in the country? Kukës and Gjirokastra top the list. They are the most active in the economy
When it comes to employment in Albania, data shows that not all regions are moving at the same pace. In 2024, the employment and unemployment rates offer a......
More oil on the market in 2025 - IEA raises forecast after OPEC+ decision to increase production
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said it had raised its forecast for oil supply this year, following the decision by the OPEC+ producer group to......
The Ministry of Defense orders an urgent evacuation of residents in Nartë, Skënderbegës and Delvinë!
The Ministry of Defense issued an emergency evacuation order today for residents in Nartë, Skënderbegës (Gramsh) and Delvinë. "Due to the rapid spread of......
"Fire situation, towards stabilization" - Ministry of Defense: Over 10 thousand emergency forces, on the ground
During the last 24 hours, 64 fires have been identified, of which 24 are still active. According to the Ministry of Defense, over 10,000 emergency forces,......
The dollar returns to decline while the franc recovers points!
The US dollar has recorded another decline in value this morning as it was bought today for 82.2 lek and sold for 83.6 lek according to the local exchange......
Rama: Gratitude for firefighters, the harshest punishment for those who intentionally start fires!
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted today regarding the fire situation in the country, thanking all forces engaged in extinguishing them, while emphasizing that......
Extensive operation against fires during the night/ Vengu: Three helicopters in Gramsh and two in Delvinë!
Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, announced today that the extensive firefighting operation has continued non-stop throughout the night to limit the......
