Turkish business body joins 'Fakes cost more - I buy real' campaign against piracy

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Acclaimed writer Ayşe Kulin is one of the renown names who took part in TOBB's new advertisement campaign against counterfeiting and piracy.

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) has joined the international campaign launched by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to fight counterfeiting and piracy. The initiative, branded with the motto "Fakes cost more - I buy real," aims to increase consumer awareness of the costly impact of counterfeit products on the economic market despite their lower price.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture, TOBB has prepared several advertising banners and films. Acclaimed writers İskender Pala and Ayşe Kulin, iconic folk musician Orhan Gencabay and fashion designer Mehtap Elaidi are among the celebrities that have participated in TOBB's advertising campaigns.

TOBB chairman Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that the campaign had already launched in 20 countries. "The most important condition of becoming a leading economic power is to have strong intellectual property guidelines. What's at risk with counterfeiting and piracy is Turkey's economic development pace and the taxes that are collected by the state," he said. TOBB is also planning to organize seminars and workshops as well as opening information stands in shopping centers.

"Illegal products deceive consumers, contain serious health risks, threaten the security of your personal information and increase unemployment. It is unfair for the investor. And fighting against it is only possible with a strong legislation," Hisarcıklıoğlu added.