Indonesian IP nightmare for Mastrotto - leatherbiz: Leading news site Leatherbiz

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Indonesian IP nightmare for Mastrotto

30/07/2007
 

Companies from Europe and North America have been complaining for many years of intellectual property difficulties in Asia because of local firms trying to copy their brands but, for Arzignano-based tanning group Mastrotto, the situation in the Indonesian market may have become even more frustrating than usual.

Local media in Jakarta are reporting that the Indonesian authorities have told the Mastrotto Group—which specialises in leather for upholstery and furniture—that it may not trade in the country under its own name. The suggestion is that a local company took out a patent on the name before the Italian firm could do so itself.
The Jakarta Post quoted the head of the Indonesian Footwear Association, Eddy Widjanarko as saying: “This sort of thing happens here. Our regulations allow for such a thing to happen.” The newspaper also spoke to an official who insisted the Indonesian government knew about the particular situation involving Mastrotto and was confident of finding a solution.

Mastrotto set up its Indonesian tannery in 2005. No one from the company was available for comment when leatherbiz.com got in touch.



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