IPRED2: have a nice time - in jail!
greve
|
Friday 04 November 2005
|
Apparently a Dutch court sentenced a man to six months in prison for violation of laws for handling counterfeit goods. His crime? He wore a fake Rolex:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1587840.html?menu=news.quirkies.strangecrime
Please note that he did not produce or sell a fake rolex. He only wore it.
I guess the Finnish culture minister got lucky she didn't have to face a Dutch court. If not even the Finnish culture minister (who just before worked to enact a law to prevent this kind of thing) can remain within the bounds of law, what about normal people?
And with IPRED2 the European Commission seeks to increase punishment on such "crimes". I wonder who does not have a single faked brand somewhere in their household, knowingly or unknowingly.
Has anyone ever stopped to consider that artificial monopolies like trademarks theoretically draw their justification from their benefit to society?
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article are permitted worldwide, without royalty, in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.
