HP is taking steps to counter global counterfeiting by joining the Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) Global Leadership Group. Formed by the International Chamber of Commerce, BASCAP unites the global business community to more effectively identify and address intellectual property rights issues. Jeff Hardy, BASCAP Co-ordinator, International Chamber of Commerce, says the move will help generate greater awareness.“The International Chamber of Commerce is extremely pleased to have HP join the BASCAP initiative, especially as counterfeit consumer electronics continue to be a significant international problem. Having HP join with BASCAP members from other industries will help us generate greater awareness for the harms of counterfeiting across sectors and will amplify our message with both policy makers and consumers.”The Global Leadership Group was created in 2005 as a forum for BASCAP member chief executive officers and other top executives to exchange views and priorities. HP has been investing in anti-counterfeiting practices for nearly a decade and has long been committed to protecting its intellectual property, which is why the company was keen to join says Stephen Nigro, Senior Vice President, Inkjet and Web Solutions Business, Imaging and Printing Group, HP.“The manufacturing and illicit sale of counterfeit products is a global problem that spans across many industries and shows no signs of slowing down, especially during tough economic times. We are eager to exchange ideas, key learnings and best practices with other BASCAP members in an effort to strengthen global anti-counterfeiting efforts.”