Law enforcement against trade in counterfeit goods using well-known marks (a study in traditional markets in Medan)

Doctoral Program in Law, Graduate School, Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: aflah@usu.ac.id

Abstract

The illegal use of well-known marks for counterfeit goods is qualified as a criminal act. The act may cause damages to the owner of a well-known mark. The protection of a registered mark and a well-known mark through Law Number 15 Year 2001 on Trade Marks should be able to address issues related to mark infringement. The number of cases of illegal use of well-known marks is high because, in a business, using a well-known mark is more profitable than using own mark. Other factor which influences trade in counterfeit goods using well-known marks is the lack of public legal awareness as consumers, producers and traders. An empirical research method was applied in the research, using primary and secondary data. Maximizing trade in local goods using registered marks is one of effective ways to minimize trade in counterfeit goods using well-known marks in traditional markets in Medan. There are two possible solutions to this problem. The first solution is socializing Law on Marks to local producers, consumers and traders. The second solution is implementing a supporting program to help local producers register their rights to a mark.