Global companies say more government enforcement is what is needed most to win the fight against counterfeiting and piracy, according to the International Chamber of Commerce's new survey which also shows China as one of the worst-performing countries.

The first annual BASCAP Global Survey on Counterfeiting and Piracy was conducted by ICC's Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy initiative, in cooperation with the Cass Business School, part of City University, London. The survey polled 48 companies, many of which operate globally, spanning 27 product categories.

"Not only does unfair competition from counterfeiting and piracy worldwide drain billions annually from the 'virtuous circle' of economic growth that intellectual property generates, but we are particularly concerned about the risks for consumers from unsafe counterfeit products," said Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, chairman and CEO of Nestlé.

ICC is the world business organization, the only representative body bringing the views of companies from every region and every sector to bear upon global policy matters. The United States Council for International Business serves as ICC's American national committee.

Meeting in Geneva in January, CEOs and senior corporate officials from four continents discussed the survey results and announced a new plan to step up the fight against counterfeiting and piracy. When asked which area would yield the best results in curbing counterfeiting and piracy — legislation, public education or increased enforcement — survey respondents rated enforcement much higher than the other options.

The survey ranked the best- and worst-performing countries in addressing counterfeiting and piracy. Companies rated the U.S., U.K., Germany and France, respectively, as exemplary. Also among the ten best performers, in descending order, were Japan, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Singapore and Australia.

On the other end of the spectrum, respondents named China and Russia, respectively, as the two worst-performing countries, followed by India, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Pakistan, Turkey and Ukraine.

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