Draft Amendments to Macedonian Customs Law Foresee Donation of Seized Counterfeit Apparel

The draft amendments to the Macedonian Law on Customs Measures for Protection of Intellectual Property Rights foresee the donation of the seized counterfeit textile goods and footwear to socially disadvantaged people and residents of regions affected by natural disasters.

According to the proposed amendments, a competent authority will distribute the goods following the trademark owner’s consent and after the removal of the trademark from the goods. The competent authority would also have to confirm that the goods meet the safety requirements.

If it is not possible to remove the trademark without permanently damaging the goods and if the trademark owner does not approve the donation, the goods will be destroyed.

The draft amendments are currently in the parliamentary procedure and are expected to be ratified soon.

By: Zivka Kostovska-Stojkovska

For more information, please contact Zivka Kostovska-Stojkovska at our Macedonia office.