Parallel import is the import of goods into the country by delivery from another state, occurring without the consent of the right holder. At the same time, the imported goods have either identical or similar goods from the same manufacturer.
Parallel imports can have serious consequences for rightsholders, as they lose control over the distribution of their goods and the profits from their sales. In addition, such goods may be of poor quality or fail to meet safety standards because they are not goods that have been thoroughly tested and inspected as they are in the rightsholder's country.
Depending on the laws of a particular country, parallel imports may be prohibited or restricted. For example, in the United States, parallel imports are legal if the goods are of similar quality to those sold locally. However, in the European Union, this type of import can often meet with resistance from rightsholders.
Rights holders can take action to protect their rights in the case of parallel imports. In some countries, it is possible to claim a ban or restriction on the importation of the goods originally sold. In addition, a claim may be made for infringement of copyright and other intellectual property laws.
Thus, liability for parallel imports can be imposed on the producer of the goods, on the exporter who takes the goods across the border, or on the importer who receives the goods in the country. There are risks for all traders in the case of parallel imports, so it is necessary to consider the legal aspects in advance and take appropriate measures to avoid liability in the future.