London, Mar. 8.
Reproduction of British designs by Japanese firms in a misleading ma ner formed the subject of a q tion in the House of Commons today.
Mr. Ellis Smith, Labour member for Stoke-on-Trent, asked the Presi dent 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 ma ner that they give the impression of being manufactured in Great Britain.
Mr, Smith further demanded what steps have been taken or are contemplated in dealing with the mat ter.
Referring to—Chinaware and earthenware products, Mr. Smith specified that these are copied Japanese firms, stamped in a misleading manner, and imported into New Zealand.
Mr. R. S. Hudson, Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade, in reply that protests have made from time to time to Japan and other governments against v ous attempts to pass off foreign goods as being of British manufacture by of false marks, labels, and methods.
ases 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 which protection is desired, and taking legal action against infringements of their rights.
"Owners of any United Kingdom or New Zealand," he 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 calculated to deceive as to their origin is prohibited.""—Havas
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.