LaLiga and IP Key SEA warn of sporting piracy and counterfeiting

IP Key Southeast Asia (SEA) has partnered with LaLiga for World IP Day 2019 to address the dangers of piracy and counterfeiting within the sports industry.

The two highlighted that consumption of counterfeit or pirated sporting products and content is detrimental to official sports teams.

The exhibition provided information on how legitimate sports merchandise and broadcasting can help “develop and maintain quality sports”, courtesy of LaLiga, the premier division of Spanish men’s football.

The exhibition was part of a €7 million initiative headed by the EUIPO to encourage IP rights protection and enforcement across the region.

LaLiga delegate for Thailand, Jose Maria Gotor, explained that professional sports teams depend on the revenue derived from international TV licensing and distribution, as well as official merchandise sales, in order to fund recruitment programmes, training facilities, support staff and attract sponsorships.

Gotor added: “When LaLiga fans watch pirated matches online, they are essentially endangering the Spanish football teams that they love.”

“There are plenty of legitimate ways to catch a live LaLiga match in Southeast Asia, especially on the BeIN Sports app or through your local cable TV provider.”

The event was also attended by the head of the trade section of the EU delegation to Thailand, minister counsellor Philipp Dupuis, who commented: “The protection and enforcement of IP rights are key objectives for the EU.”

“The sports sector is significantly contributing to our economies and relies on the protection of intellectual property assets to survive. Unlicensed broadcasts and the sale of counterfeit merchandise put this sector in danger. By avoiding counterfeit goods, fans can make sure that the show goes on.”

Source：Ippro Magazine

Editor：De