SOUTH KOREA

Seoul Cracks Down on Counterfeiters: South Korea will launch a major new drive to protect foreign patents and copyrights to ease trade friction with the United States and other countries, a government official said last week. The government’s anti-counterfeiting team has been doubled in size to 500 members, ready for a national crackdown on counterfeiters, the official said. The team has targeted computer software pirates; bootleggers in video, audio and publications, and those who counterfeit trademark items such as bags and clothes. Foreign manufacturers of designer goods have accused South Korea--where many brand-name goods such as Reebok and Nike sports shoes are produced legitimately under license--of being one of the world’s chief producers of fake brand-name products. Seoul’s Itaewon district, which is located next to a sprawling U.S. military base, is notorious for its $20 fake Rolex watches, counterfeit designer shirts and fake brand-name sportswear.