Anti-counterfeiting organizations from leading Industrial countries have decided to work together in responding to the Increased involvement of organized crime In making and selling fake goods.

The International Chamber of Commerce ICC) and its own Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau. announced the alliance after a meeting of anti-counterfeiting groups cased in France. Germany. Italy, the Netherlands. Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States

The new body. Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG), will present a united front to governments and exchange Information and expertise, according to an ICC statement Issued yesterday from Paris.

Peter Lowe, Assistant Director of the ICC Counterfeitlngln-telligence Bureau, said: The initiative will improve negotiating positions with countries in which counterfeiting is ram-

pant. and increase the effectiveness of law enforcement measures."

Lower, who is interim chairman of the new body, said: "Counterfeiting rings are often financed by organized crime and terrorist groups. They threaten the health and safety of consumers, rob governments of taxes and steal the creativity of manufacturers throughout the world."

Formation of the alliance would help industry to mount an effective response to product counterfeiting, said John Bliss. President of the US-based International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition.

"Counterfeiters have become very sophisticated and they are organized on an international scale. In contrast, anti-counterfeiting bodies have been fragmented. So it has become essential that we build a well-coordinated international front."