Interfax, Russia
Oct 22 2009

Russia trying to stop unlicensed production of Kalashnikovs

KLIMOVSK. Moscow region Oct 22

Russia is trying to stop unlicensed production of Kalashnikov
submachine guns abroad, Rosoboronexport Director General Anatoly
Isaikin told the media on Thursday.

"Intellectual property rights are the most efficient way to regulate
the issue," he said.

Russia has signed such agreements with Belarus, Armenia, Israel,
Italy, Kazakhstan, France, South Africa, Bulgaria and some other
countries. "The list will be continued," Isaikin said.

At least 30 companies worldwide are engaged in unlicensed production
of Kalashnikov, he noted.

Apart from economic damage, unlicensed production harms the
Kalashnikov brand, he said, adding that counterfeit submachine guns
were actively used in conflict zones.

"The quality of counterfeit submachine guns is incomparable with that
of products made in Russia," he said.