Have you ever wondered why there are fewer fakes on store shelves? One of the leading roles is played by the customs authorities of the RK, who combat counterfeit goods around the clock.

How does it work in practice?

 Customs Registries Right holders enter their trademarks into special registers:

• The National Registry of the RK, maintained by the authorized body.
• The Unified Registry of the EAEU, valid throughout the Union. Protection is provided for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.

 Suspension of Goods Release If customs detects signs of rights infringement (e.g., a famous brand logo on a suspicious product):

• For registry goods: the release is suspended for 10 working days. At the request of the right holder, the term may be extended for another 10 days if they have applied to court.
• For goods NOT in the registry (ex officio): customs may suspend release for up to 3 working days if there is information about the right holder in the RK.

 Interaction of Parties Customs notifies both the importer and the right holder about the delay within 1 working day, providing their contact details to each other for resolution.

 Destruction of Counterfeits If a court recognizes the goods as infringing IP rights, such goods are subject to destruction.

🛑 Important Exception: Protection measures do not apply to goods transported by individuals for personal use (including international mail).

Business should remember: the right holder is liable for damages caused to the importer if the infringement is ultimately not proven in court.

Knowing these rules helps honest businesses avoid delays and brand owners protect their reputation! 📈

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-zhetysu/press/news/details/1256148?lang=ru