Luigi Carfora – Combating Counterfeiting, Italian Sounding and Hybrid Products: A Strategic Challenge for the Future of Made in Italy | Suggestioni Campane Promotion & Confimi Industria Campania
In 2019, the Suggestioni Campane Promotion Consortium hosted an institutional Round Table dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting affecting Made in Italy products. During the meeting, distinguished speakers examined the phenomenon in depth, outlining its critical implications and presenting concrete strategies to mitigate its impact. This moment captures one of the key highlights of the event.
"A moment from the 2019 Round Table, during which President Luigi Carfora and the speakers discussed solutions and strategies to combat the counterfeiting of Made in Italy products at the international level. An important opportunity for dialogue aimed at identifying effective remedies against this growing phenomenon."
A cura del Presidente Luigi Carfora – Consorzio Suggestioni Campane Promotion & Confimi Industria Campania
Introduction: Counterfeiting as a Systemic Threat to the Competitiveness of Made in Italy
Counterfeiting, the Italian Sounding phenomenon, and the proliferation of so‑called hybrid products represent an increasingly serious threat to the Italian production system. These practices not only drain billions of euros from the national economy every year, but also weaken the international reputation of our most valuable asset: Made in Italy. While Italian companies—especially small and medium‑sized enterprises—face enormous challenges, the global market is flooded with products that exploit Italy's image and identity without respecting its standards of quality.
Businesses lack adequate tools to defend themselves against this unfair competition, creating a profound competitive imbalance: those who invest in quality and innovation are penalized, while those who imitate Italy by exploiting its denominations without ethics or value continue to prosper undisturbed.
Italian Sounding and Hybrid Products: A Silent and Dangerous Invasion
Italian Sounding does not involve direct counterfeiting, but rather deception through names, labels, colors, and branding that evoke Italian identity without being authentically Italian. Products such as "Parmesan" made in the United States or "Pasta Napoli" produced in Germany, although not formally counterfeit, steal incalculable value from our producers. They confuse consumers and distort the market.
Hybrid products, on the other hand, use partially Italian elements—ingredients, packaging, or denominations—to mislead consumers and obtain false perceptions of quality, while being manufactured elsewhere. This phenomenon generates dumping and opacity in global markets, particularly in emerging countries where protection laws are less effective.
The Limits of the Current Anti‑Counterfeiting System
The current system for combating counterfeiting shows significant weaknesses. Although laws and protective measures exist, they are often ineffective without proper enforcement and proactive action. Legal intervention occurs only upon the initiative of companies, forcing them into long and costly legal proceedings, with no automatic prosecution. Surveillance is largely delegated to technological tools, which are often insufficient, while public institutions fail to implement a true policy of repression.
Small and medium‑sized enterprises are left alone to defend their rights. The reality is clear: concrete, systematic, and coordinated actions are urgently needed to stop this growing threat.
The Proposal: A State Authority Dedicated to Combating Counterfeiting
As President of Confimi Industria Campania and the Suggestioni Campane Promotion Consortium, I firmly believe that the time has come to establish a new public authority capable of effectively combating counterfeiting, equipped with both investigative and enforcement powers. This authority should be:
Operational and independent, with the ability to intervene autonomously in cases of unlawful use of Italian denominations abroad.
Cooperative, working closely with customs agencies, embassies, foreign chambers of commerce, and online platforms.
Supportive of Italian enterprises, providing free legal assistance for international anti‑counterfeiting actions.
Monitoring and investigative, conducting continuous oversight of global marketplaces and exchanging data with authorities such as Europol and Interpol.
This model could draw inspiration from initiatives such as Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit, but with a public, Italian, and independent structure capable of guaranteeing protection and oversight at a global level.
The Role of Associations: A Concrete Commitment to Change
As representative associations, we cannot remain passive. Confimi Industria Campania and the Suggestioni Campane Promotion Consortium are actively committed to defending Italian enterprises, with the goal of promoting tangible change. Our action is structured around four strategic pillars:
Coordinated Institutional Advocacy: We will present an official document to Parliament and the Government, requesting urgent measures and hearings before the relevant Committees. We also aim to involve regional institutions—particularly the Campania Region—in supporting this initiative.
Inter‑Association Alliances: We will collaborate with other associations, Chambers of Commerce, protection consortia, and consumer organizations to build a unified platform for defending Made in Italy.
Public Communication and Awareness: We will launch a targeted media campaign, featuring business testimonials and clear information on the damage caused by counterfeiting, raising awareness among consumers and the public.
Legal and Technical Support for Enterprises: We will activate a network of experts, lawyers, and professionals to assist companies in legal actions and provide free training on how to protect trademarks and patents internationally.
Conclusion: A Cultural Battle for Justice and Competitiveness
The fight against counterfeiting is not only an economic or legal issue—it is a cultural battle rooted in values and identity. Italian enterprises do not ask for assistance; they ask for the opportunity to compete on equal terms. The time has come to act together to defend Made in Italy—not only to safeguard our economy, but to ensure that quality and authenticity are recognized and rewarded worldwide.
President of the Suggestioni Campane Promotion Consortium & Confimi Industria Campania Luigi Carfora
👉 To view the full event coverage, including the photo gallery and the dedicated news report, visit the complete event page: en-Thematic Areas Focus: Counterfeiting, Italian Sounding, Hybrid Products