US intellectual property rights investigations worry Bangladesh exporters

United States Trade Representative (USTR) started the Special 301 Review on IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) Protection and Enforcement after complaints of counterfeiting emerged against Bangladesh-made clothes, prompting industry leaders to ask exporters to be careful about IPR.

This advice was issued by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association amid allegations that some of them were manufacturing counterfeits. The association is also launching an awareness campaign in this regard.

 The counterfeit allegation if proven would have adverse consequences for Bangladesh’s exports.

As its exports would be slapped with numerous penalties.

The investigation has alarmed both the commerce ministry and the exporters. The ministry of commerce in its initial response to the review has protested that it was not fair to do so without providing any evidence.



An official of BGMEA said the goodwill and the facilitations that Bangladesh garment exporters enjoy and the development assistance that it gets should not be risked by becoming a source of counterfeit goods.

He said garment exporters should firmly refuse any business that involves a violation of IPR.

The official said that the garment sector of Bangladesh has earned the trust and confidence of international buyers. He said the trust for the last 40 years.

The BGMEA which has recently been more active on environmental and social compliance issues has now decided to pay more attention to other issues governing trade with other countries.