Eyewear, a leading expression of 'Made in Italy', is among the sectors most affected by the phenomenon of counterfeiting of trademarks, patents, designs and models. In addition to loss of turnover and jobs, counterfeiting in the eyewear sector has far more serious effects: a counterfeit pair of eyeglasses that is perhaps incorrectly centred can cause damage to the very health of the eye, as can sunglasses whose sunscreen is not suitable for UV protection.
ANFAO, in order to safeguard the production of Italian companies and guarantee consumers of the authenticity and value of original glasses, supports Customs in the certification of counterfeit goods subject to detention, intervenes in criminal proceedings where the intellectual property rights of its members are infringed through the constitution of a party, and takes an active part in the destruction of counterfeit goods.
Since 1995, the Association has also set up an Anti-Counterfeiting Service within MIDO to protect and monitor possible cases of counterfeiting within the exhibition.
