The Effectiveness of Fighting Counterfeiting in Kazakhstan: The Role of Departments of Justice and Economic Investigations

Combating counterfeiting in Kazakhstan is a key state objective in protecting intellectual property and ensuring fair competition. In this process, the Departments of Justice and Departments of Economic Investigations play a crucial role. They implement comprehensive measures to identify, suppress, and ensure punishment for the production and distribution of fake products.

Role of Departments of Justice

Kazakhstan’s Departments of Justice are responsible for protecting the rights of intellectual property owners and ensuring compliance with intellectual property legislation. Their key tasks in combating counterfeiting include:

• Receiving and reviewing complaints from right holders regarding trademark infringements.

• Conducting inspections for the illegal use of registered trademarks.

• Interacting with state bodies and preparing legal positions to defend intellectual property.

• Providing informational and educational outreach to entrepreneurs and the public about the consequences of using counterfeit products and infringing intellectual property rights.

The Departments of Justice possess broad administrative powers, and their influence also extends to effectively suppressing illegal activities.

Role of Departments of Economic Investigations

The Departments of Economic Investigations are part of the Financial Monitoring Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan. They are empowered to identify economic crimes, including the illegal use of the third parties trademarks when such an act constitutes a criminal offense. Their main areas of work in this field include:

• Conducting operational search activities to identify networks distributing counterfeit goods.

• Initiating criminal cases related to the illegal production and turnover of counterfeit goods.

• Liquidating underground production facilities and warehouses storing counterfeit products.

• Working with the business community and right holders to identify grey schemes for supplying counterfeit products.

Achievements and Challenges

In recent years, Kazakhstan has seen increased effectiveness in combating counterfeiting due to enhanced interdepartmental cooperation, digitalization of processes, and international collaboration. However, there are still some issues exist:

• Low awareness among entrepreneurs regarding procedures for protecting trademark rights.

• Limited resources for market control and a shortage of personnel in the field of intellectual property.

• A high level of shadow economy fueled by demand for cheap goods.

• The need to strengthen penalties for counterfeiting violations.

The Departments of Justice and Economic Investigations contribute significantly to combating counterfeiting in Kazakhstan. However, to increase effectiveness, a comprehensive approach is required: strengthening market control, toughening penalties, actively using digital monitoring tools, and closer cooperation with international organizations and the business community.

Please contact us for assistance. Our specialists’ participation in raids against infringers, legal disputes, and providing consultations on many issues related to the protection of intellectual property rights and trademarks has earned us recognition and a good reputation.