Sawt Falasteen - Mexico cracks down on pirated goods ahead of World Cup

Authorities have seized $1.3 million worth of counterfeit stock in Mexico's capital over the past three months, ahead of the global football tournament that begins on June 11 and is co-hosted with the United States and Canada.

But sales of knockoff merchandise are still surging, as the soaring cost of tickets and official products has fuelled demand for cheaper alternatives.

In downtown Mexico City, street vendors hawk pirated goods on the sidewalks, with team shirts for Mexico, Argentina and Colombia selling for $10-$20, roughly one-tenth the price of an official shirt for Mexico's national team.

"The World Cup is almost here, and I would really like to have my shirt for when Mexico wins," 27-year-old engineer Jorge Ruiz tells AFP after buying two knockoff Mexico shirts for about $40, one white and another green.

Ruiz avoided going to the store, where an official jersey made of special anti-perspiration fabric costs nearly $200.

Ruiz says the official jersey might be worth the money for "someone who is a big fan," but it's too expensive for him.

"I just want it for the World Cup, to have a good time," he explains.

- '50 Adidas' -

FIFA's trademarks, names and symbols are protected by penalties for the unauthorized sale of World Cup merchandise. Businesses cannot use FIFA branding or suggest they are associated with the tournament without authorization.

Over the last three months, the Mexican government's anti-piracy agency has seized more than 105,000 items worth $1.3 million in three operations, sweeping Mexico City's historic center, where the "Fan fest" for the tournament will be hosted.

In the warehouse of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), coordinator Jose Eduardo Saavedra walks past bags overflowing with unfolded clothes.

The red marker letters on the tape on one bag say "50 Adidas," referring to the brand that produces Mexico's official shirt.

"What the presumed offenders will need to prove is that they are authorized to use these logos, these brands or in their case (to show) that the products are original," Saavedra said.

- 'Very similar' -

Authorities are also conducting anti-piracy operations in the other two Mexican cities hosting the World Cup, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

But the illicit trade continues. Some hawk the national shirt as if they were selling drugs, whispering to potential buyers, keeping the shirt hidden until payment is made.

Others simply take the money and never deliver the product.

One street vendor, who requested anonymity, lost all her pirated merchandise in a recent police crackdown. But the authorities never returned, so the vendor resumed the black market business. She offers low-quality shirts for around $14, and copies closer to the originals for almost $40.

And as the June 11 opener approaches, business is booming.

"The quality is really similar, it's not the same obviously, but it is very similar," 25-year-old barista Emanuel Diaz told AFP.

F.AbuShamala--SF-PST