FAST endorses new measures to give online shoppers peace of mind and avoid counterfeit goods

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: FAST endorses new measures to give online shoppers peace of mind and avoid counterfeit goods.

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has announced its affiliation with Brand-i, a website that helps shoppers differentiate legitimate products from illegal counterfeit goods.
 
Shoppers will be able to use the online directory to source webstores selling genuine products, including designer or branded clothing, perfume, shoes, music and sunglasses. Brand-i is an independent directory, but is supported by the Trading Standards Institute.

 
Jenny Dalton, Director of Brand-i, commented: "We are thrilled to have FAST's support and to be affiliated to an organisation renowned for its hard work in advising consumers against buying counterfeit products. Brand-i's goal is to encourage consumers to purchase legitimate goods, which coincides with FAST's aim to reduce and restrict unauthorised dealings in computer software."
 
Julian Heathcote Hobbins, General Counsel at FAST, responded: "We are delighted to be endorsing a like-minded organisation whereby, in unison, we can highlight the importance of purchasing legitimate products, online. FAST anticipates reaching out to its community to support the directory. We fully support Brand-i's messaging and we look forward to working with them going forward."
 
"A recent IDC and BSA report highlights that software piracy is an increasing threat to the economic growth of the nation, which cost the UK economy over 1 billion in 2010. As a result, this impedes the opportunity for new IT innovations as well as preventing new job positions within the industry. It is therefore vital for software piracy to be reduced, and for this to happen, people are encouraged to report any suspected pirated software that they encounter to FAST," concluded Julian.