Commons on the Remedy Open to All Makers London, Mar. 8, Reproduction of British designs by Japanese firms in a misleading manner formed the subject of a ques-fon in the House of Commons today.
"Mir, Ellis Smith, Labour member for Stoke-on-Trent, asked the President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Oliver Stanley, whether "he was Aware of the reproduction of British designs and products by Japanese firms, and. that In some cases these products are stamped In such a man-for that they give the Impression of being manufactured in Great Britain.
Mr, Smith further demanded what stept have been taken or are con templated in dealing with the matter.
Referring to Chinaware and earthenware products, Mr, Smith Specified that "these are copied by Sepanese firms, stamped in a mis~ cading manner, and imported into New Zealand.
Mr. R. S. Hudson, Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade, stated reply. that protests have been made from time to time to Japan find other governments against. vane us attempts to pass off foreign goods as being of British manufacture by the use of false marks, labels, and other. methods.
"Cases of this kind, if details are brought to my notice, will continue to receive my careful attention," Mr. Hudson added, "On the other hand, it Is up to the owners to protect their designs and trade marks by registering them in the countries in which protection is desired, and by taking Tegal action against infringe ments of their rights, "Owners of any designs in the United Kingdom or New. Zealand," ho. continued, "have legal remedies against the sale there of goods bearing designs which infringe upon their copyright, and in both countries to Import any goods bearing marks calulated to deceive as to their origin prohiblted."—Havas,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.