Page 49 - TEXtalks October/November 2021

suspicious links and hashtags are automatically
matched.
In addition, OEKO-TEX® can use the SENTRYC
take-down button to decide which potential
counterfeits or trademark infringements should
be removed. In the best case, these disappear
within 24 hours. Automation rules help to avoid
targeting licensed partners or to permanently
ban problematic platforms.
For possible prosecutions, the software docu-
ments all relevant data including screenshots of
the suspicious content. "We want to help create
more transparency and give companies a tool
they can use to defend themselves international-
ly," says Nicole Hofmann, CEO of SENTRYC. "I
see our commitment to finding counterfeit
products and making removal as easy as
possible as a social duty."

Trademark protection concerns everyone
Trademark protection means consumer protec-
tion. It has become increasingly difficult to
detect plagiarism and other trademark infringe-
ments. The production and distribution of
counterfeits often takes place within organised
crime structures that affect the entire supply
chain - from raw materials procurement to
distribution - usually under precarious conditions
for people and the environment and with health
consequences for consumers. This is because
counterfeit textiles in particular can contain
harmful substances beyond the legal limits and
the even stricter OEKO-TEX® Standards.
Anyone who buys counterfeit products, whether
consciously or unconsciously, can endanger
their own health, in addition to human rights and
climate protection.

The issue is fuelled by the rapid increase in
online shopping. Last year alone, worldwide
customers spent around 2,900 billion US dollars
online. In Europe, digital sales are expected to
increase another 42% by 2025. The accelerating
and extensive development of online trade
means urgent protection against counterfeits
and poor quality is needed. Therefore
OEKO-TEX® values SENTRYC as a partner for
constant and global monitoring, especially
during the online shopping boom of the season.
Analysis from SENTRYC confirms that the
number of fake offers on online marketplaces
increases by about 60% between September
and November, compared to other months.