The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted three markets in Mexico where large amounts of piracy and counterfeit goods are sold.
In the document ‘2021 Review of Markets Notorious for Counterfeiting and Piracy‘, the institution noted that such practices cause financial losses for rights holders in the United States and legitimate companies.
They undermine fundamental rights in the United States, as well as the comparative advantages in innovation and creativity to the detriment of workers Americansand present significant risks to the health and safety of consumers“, he accused.
The first market mentioned is the so-called ‘La Pulga Río’ in Monterrey, Nuevo León, where counterfeit clothing and accessories are offered, as well as pirated video games that are even promoted on social media.
The USTR reported that in the San Juan de Dios Marketon Guadalajaraalso known as ‘Mercado Libertad’, half of its more than 3,000 stalls sell counterfeit clothing and footwear and pirated video games.
Finally, the Tepito market, in Mexico City, which is located outdoors, was mentioned.
Apparently, it remains a major distribution center for counterfeit and pirated products in local markets throughout Mexico and Central America; Tepito remains dangerous for criminal activity, making it almost impossible for rights holders to enforce their rights. Infringing items sold in Tepito include video games, modified game consoles, devices that allow the circumvention of technological protection measures, and counterfeit clothing,” he charged.
With information from López-Dóriga Digital
