On July 17th, INSME took part in the Italian webinar “Fight against counterfeit: operative instructions to prevent and safeguard intellectual property – focus on web platforms”, organized by the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM), in collaboration with Unioncamere and INSME. The event addressed the increasing challenges posed by online counterfeiting, particularly for SMEs, which often operate without the tools or resources necessary to defend their industrial property in digital and cross-border contexts.
INSME Secretary Giovanni Zazzerini opened the event by underscoring the imbalance between the quality and innovation offered by SMEs and their structural lack of protection mechanisms. This vulnerability makes them easy targets for counterfeiting, exposing them to financial losses, erosion of brand trust, and competitive disadvantage. Within this framework, Zazzerini called for greater institutional commitment to preventive and enforcement measures, as well as increased cooperation between public authorities and the private sector. Elio de Tullio and Marilina Labia, esteemed members of the INSME network, took the virtual stage as speakers.
Experts discussed several critical areas, including the legal instruments available to remove illegal content from digital platforms, the use of precautionary injunctions in civil proceedings, and emerging monitoring practices in high-risk markets such as China. Particular attention was given to the territorial limitations of IP rights, which often hinder enforcement across jurisdictions. The importance of supply chain transparency and the proactive role of e-commerce platforms in identifying and removing counterfeit listings were also highlighted. Case studies presented showed how a coordinated approach, combining legal action, institutional support, and AI driven technological tools, can significantly reduce exposure to counterfeiting and help SMEs safeguard their competitive position in the digital economy.
Source: INSME Secretariat
