Traders from Sadar Patrappa (SP) Road in Bengaluru are upset over the United States Trade Representative (USTR) listing their market as one of the most 'notorious' in the world for engaging in trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy. The USTR's 'Notorious Markets List' identifies 39 online markets and 33 physical markets engaged in counterfeiting or piracy. The report states that the SP Road Market in Bengaluru is a 'hot spot' for counterfeit electronic products and that enforcement efforts by local authorities have been insufficient to improve the situation.
The traders argue that the USTR's claims are unfair and that China has a larger market for counterfeit electronic items. The Bangalore Electronic Dealers Association (BEDA) is consulting its legal team to draft a response to the USTR report and may protest or write to the central and state governments seeking justice [386f863a].
In addition to the SP Road Market, three markets in India, located in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with three online platforms, have been identified in the annual 'Notorious Markets List' by the US Customs & Border Protection. The US Customs & Border Protection has recently busted fake luxury goods brought by Indian travellers. The article advises travellers to stick to the real deal and avoid knock-offs [af188a43].