Fighting back against the grey market

Back in May at EDS, I blogged about “The number one threat the distribution industry faces,” ie counterfeiting, based on a presentation made on the grey market by National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA) executive VP Robin B. Gray, Jr. And at that time, I promised that there was more coming on the topic. Keeping that promise, EDN and Electronic Business this week released an online supplement, “Forgeries in Silicon.”

It’s a crucial topic, as counterfeiting and piracy drain about $250 billion out of the U.S. economy each year and about 750,000 jobs – not to mention counterfeit components fail and destroy hundreds of electronics each year. And, while it is easy to blame China, counterfeit components don’t just come from that corner of the globe. Counterfeiting happens within the United States, as well as entering the U.S. from other parts of the world, like Russia.

This topic is even more important as we move into the election year. In part of the supplement, a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office official discusses how the Bush administration has played its part in recent legislation and enforcement and with the changes coming to Congress and the White House, now is the time to get informed on counterfeit goods and IP. 

The supplement also includes links to other helpful resources and industry organizations on counterfeiting. Check out Forgeries in Silicon and let’s continue the conversation. Share any stories you have on the grey market by posting a comment below.