Free Zones: freedom for piracy and counterfeit?

Free Zones: freedom for piracy and counterfeit?

Free zones are defined as geographical areas or areas under a special state qualification, which enjoy a differentiated and exceptional customs and tax regime, with respect to the regime of customs and fiscal that apply in a country. Notwithstanding the objectives with which free zones were conceived, in practice, many users of free zones abuse the customs and tax privileges they enjoy and, under a reduced control of authorities and public forces, lead to conduct commercial operations of counterfeit and pirated products, using the free zone area as a center for the management, packaging and distribution of illicit products. Speakers will share their views and experiences regarding the relation between free zones and infringement of intellectual property, as well as the efforts and initiatives that are carried out to fight this situation.