Source: Diário do Sul - Tubarão / SC - COLUMNS - 24/05/2010

Half of Brazilians admit to having bought fake products in 2009, as the survey by the Trade Federation of Rio de Janeiro points out. Worse; most know the damage to employability in addition to financing crimes. The conclusion of 94% of respondents is that the price has been decisive. It comes out much cheaper. Other obstacles in the fight against piracy: culture, extensive borders, lack of inspection, internet and corruption.

According to the Brazilian Association to Combat Counterfeiting (ABCF), Brazil lost in piracy, last year alone, 20 billion dollars in unearned taxes. If smuggling and other similar activities are included, the informal economy generates US $ 850 billion annually, that is, 30% of the national Bruno Domestic Product (GDP), informs the Brazilian Institute of Competition Ethics (ETCO).

Defined by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) as a crime of the century, piracy moves 7% of world trade, something around US $ 600 billion, higher than US $ 360 of drug trafficking.

How to fight?
Following the example of the National Council for Combating Piracy (CNCP), whose nebulous attitudes towards the Chinese mafia removed the incumbent Romeu Tuma Jr., Santa Catarina also has its Council created, awaiting only regulation. According to its president, state revenue tax auditor Jair Schmitt, some combat actions are already planned, depending only on signaling. Blumenau is the first municipality with an implemented system. In the final stages of completion are those of Joinville and Florianópolis. Tubarão, in the South will be the next city to be contemplated with Council.