The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has joined hands with major industry associations in the field of pharmaceuticals, music, films and software to form a National Initiative Against Piracy and Counterfeiting (NIAPC). Specific sub-groups have been constituted for the implementation of the initiative.

The initiative seeks to create awareness on this national issue among all sections of the society including policymakers, legislators, judiciary and the Indian public at large. It will also look into the issue of experience and knowledge sharing with the enforcement and other agencies of the government and the state.

The NIAPC intends to organize workshops with judges, public prosecutors and young lawyers to make them aware of the seriousness of the issue. Seminars will also be conducted for industry and other user groups as part of the awareness programme.

A taskforce will be formed to educate the police, the IAS officers and officials from both central and state governments. Mass awareness campaigns against piracy and counterfeiting through interactive events, PR and advertising campaigns have been planned.

The NIAPC is also to make recommendations to the government with regard to tightening and amendment of laws and enforcement, including setting up of fast track courts for trying IP crimes. Interaction with multilateral and other bodies to spread the awareness on IP issues and joint programmes with educational institutes and HRD Ministry to raise the appreciation levels of IP among student community are some of the other programmes to be taken up as part of the initiative.

IK Gujral, former Prime Minister is the patron-in-chief. Justice BN Kirpal, former chief justice of India is the patron of the legal sub-group. JF Ribeiro, former commissioner of police, Mumbai is the patron of the enforcement sub-group.