This pact has been drawn up to solve the widespread trade in counterfeit products in China, Thailand and the rest of the Asean region. The Customs Department in Yunnan will closely inspect all products heading for Thailand, especially since many fake products such as CDs, clothes, leather goods and handbags found in Thai markets originated in China.

Pajchima Tanasanti, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, said China's customs department has been urged to inspect goods to see if they infringe any rights before exporting.

She added that Thailand needed China's help in blocking counterfeit products and seriously control the trade in illegal goods in foreign and local markets.

According to the Chinese customs department, a shipment of more than 10-million illegal CDs was seized last year. It also found fake garments, leather goods, handbags, and watches.

In order to boost its efficiency in controlling copyright violation, the department has called on Thailand to send details of trademarks and a list of counterfeit products that are usually imported from China.

Products that Thailand has asked for China to closely monitor are Solex locks and food products under the brand "Crisco" as they have problems with trademark violations in China.

Pajchima said trademark violation and counterfeit products from China had greatly affected Thai businesses. Fake goods from China can be freely bought in most markets and temple fairs across Thailand.

The department has also called on Thai businesses to register their trademark and copyright before entering the Chinese market, otherwise they could face the problem of copyright violations and suffer huge losses.

(Source: nationmultimedia)