President’s Message

Being from the region and drawing on more than 26 years of field experience, developed through direct collaboration with authorities, rights holders and partner institutions, I have had the opportunity to work closely with numerous international organisations, including the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the European Union, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, as well as serving as an expert for international associations such as the International Trademark Association (INTA), the Union des Fabricants (UNIFAB) and the Istituto di Centromarca per la Lotta alla Contraffazione (INDICAM). These collaborations have also been built through ongoing dialogue with regional authorities, including customs administrations, intellectual property offices and specialised enforcement agencies.

Over the years, one clear conclusion emerged: there was an urgent need to establish a dedicated regional organisation capable of serving as a sustainable and operational platform for cooperation, similar to what exists in other parts of the world. ACTA-GM was created to meet this need by bringing stakeholders together, strengthening regional cooperation and embedding actions within a long-term strategic vision.

Without training and awareness, achieving sustainable results in intellectual property protection and the fight against counterfeiting is simply not possible. For this reason, from the earliest stages of our development, we launched several complementary initiatives, including Focus World Cup 2030, designed to anticipate IP challenges linked to major international events, and The Watchers Club, an educational programme dedicated to raising awareness among younger generations and consumers. These initiatives are complemented by technical training, regional seminars and exchanges between authorities and rights holders to strengthen operational capacities on the ground.

Counterfeiters know no borders and pursue a single objective: profit, regardless of the consequences for economies, public health or the environment. In response, a proactive, coordinated and structured approach is essential to drive meaningful progress in practices, regulatory frameworks and collective awareness.

More than ever, regional cooperation is a key lever for protecting innovation, supporting local economies and building a safer, more responsible environment for future generations.