Survey

What Do You Think of the Code of Ethics?

Stevanne Auerbach, also known as Dr. Toy, and Marshall Gavin, executive vice president of b. dazzle, are spearheading a code-of-ethics movement within the toy industry to “put an end to plagiarism, copycats, copyright infringement, trademark misuse and related issues.”

A code-of-ethics committee, formed two years ago, suggests that the Toy Industry Association would be instrumental in bringing about such change. “We believe TIA, as the strongest and most influential institution in the toy industry, is the essential beacon for ethical business conduct in our industry,” reads the introduction to the proposed Code of Ethics.

Please tell us how you feel about this issue. You may respond by completing the postage-paid card inserted in the magazine, by fax to 315-789-4263, or by e-mail to stacy@fwpi.com.

1. Have you heard of the Toy Industry Code of Ethics?
a. Yes
b. No

2. Do you believe that copyright infringement is a problem in the toy industry?
a. Yes
b. Somewhat
c. No
d. Don’t know

3. Should TIA adopt a Code of Ethics to specifically deal with copyright infringements?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Don’t know

4. What portions of the Code of Ethics would you be likely to support? (Check all that apply.)
a. Amend TIA’s Member Commitment, to “broaden the definition of intellectual property so it is not just ‘counterfeiting,’ which could be interpreted narrowly as only a direct rip-off of a product in its entirety.”
b. Require signed acceptance of the amended “Member Commitment for Social Responsibility” and the “Member PLEDGE to Comply with the ICTI Code of Business Practices and ICTI CARE Process” as a prerequisite to and a condition of TIA membership and trade show exhibition.
c. Establish a due process for TIA to deal with unethical behavior, which would include enforcement and discipline, including specified penalties.
d. Don’t know
e. None

5. What is your role in the toy industry?
a. Manufacturer
b. Retailer
c. Rep
d. Other __________

6. If you are a manufacturer, have you ever had your product copied?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Don’t know

7. If you are a retailer, have you ever inadvertently purchased a knockoff product?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Don’t know

8. Do you believe that copycat products are simply a part of doing business today?
a. Yes
b. No

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