In 2008, the value of counterfeit goods seized at America’s borders increased by nearly 40 percent over the year before. It fell 4 percent last year — far less than the 25 percent decline in imports overall. The number of counterfeit parts in military electronics systems more than doubled between 2005 and 2008. (Economist, 3/6/10)

Service companies that monitor and track counterfeit goods are benefiting from the proliferation of fakes. Meanwhile, the U.S. Government, which is losing out on tax revenue at a time that it needs all the revenues it can get, appointed its first Intellectual Property Czar last year and is developing a new enforcement strategy.

Eric Zavolinsky

It’s not just a global Brain Trade (of advance manufacturing and high-tech goods and services); artisan and craft products are being made around the world and judged “authentic” by connoisseurs.  Make sure your alumni club has this whisky in stock!

Michael Hines