Parallel or grey imports

Parallel or grey imports are goods which have been marketed for the first time by the rights owner, or with his consent, outside the European Community and are then imported into the Community. They are, therefore, distinct from pirated or counterfeit products, which are goods which have been produced without the rights owners' permission.

A brief outline of current case law is available.  In 1999 the Trade and Industry Select Committee considered parallel imports in their report on Trade Marks, Fakes and Consumers, and the government's view was set out in their response . In 2001 the UK and Swedish governments published a survey of international price comparisons. This showed that consumers across the EU would benefit from reform of trade mark laws.

The European Commission and European Parliament have undertaken various studies on parallel imports. In 2003 the Commission concluded that no legislative changes were necessary.