June 16th, 2008

One of the key benefits of being an EFTTA member was demonstrated in full force at the recent European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX).

At the event, held at the Fiera di Roma centre, Rome, EFTTA member Rapala VMC Corporation (Rapala) found an exhibitor displaying a lure identical to a Rapala product that is protected by European registration.

Rapala also obtained a catalogue produced by the company that contained a number of products identical to Rapala products that are similarly protected.

The matter was quickly reported to the EFTTA Executive and Jean-Claude Bel, EFTTA CEO, immediately arranged for specialist on-site lawyer, Tania Clark of Withers and Rogers LLP to meet with Juha Siirtola, the Development Manager of Rapala.

Mr Siirtola identified the offending products to Ms Clark and provided proof of the Rapala EU Registration.

The lawyer and Mr Siirtola visited the stand of the company concerned and explained that the company was infringing Rapala’s protected rights. As a result the company was given 30 minutes to remove the offending items from its display – which it did.

Juha Siirtola said: “We use a lot of time, money and effort to create new products for fishermen around the world. We object to people using our work for their benefit, so we protect our designs and names as much as possible. We take immediate action against offenders to protect our interests, and the interests of our customers who invest in our products.”

“We encourage all designers and manufacturers to follow our lead and to protect their investment in time, money and expertise. In this way we can limit the illegal copying of our products.”

Rapala thanked the EFTTA Executive, and especially Jean-Claude Bel, for their assistance and support regarding this matter.

Pierangelo Zanetta, EFTTA President, said: “Should the company not have agreed to remove the items from the display, then the EFTTA Executive were prepared to ask them to leave the show immediately.

“Providing members with legal assistance in matters such as copyright and trademark issues, is one of the key benefits of joining EFTTA. We were pleased to have been able to assist Rapala.”

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