The Unreal Campaign Challenge provides the opportunity for students to speak directly to their peers about the dangers of counterfeit products. Participants are invited to produce a 60-second public service announcement (PSA) video to demonstrate their knowledge on the dangers of counterfeits and to dissuade their peers from purchasing fake products. Participants are encouraged to get creative with their PSAs!
Teams of one to three members will have until February 17, 2023, to submit their videos.
Video Guidelines
- Videos cannot be longer than 60 seconds
- If using a camera phone, please hold phone horizontally
- Film in a quiet place with no/minimal background noise
- Do not show or mention any brands/logos/TMs in the videos, unless it is your own brand.
- Be authentic! Speak to your own life experiences and in your own voice
Topics to consider in your video
- Why are trademarks important?
- Why is it important to educate your friends, family members, and community on the dangers of counterfeit products?
- Where have you seen counterfeit products?
- What kinds of counterfeit products are you most familiar with?
- What do you think is important for consumers to know when they are deciding where to spend their money?
Helpful Resources
Learn about trademarks and the dangers of counterfeiting:
Recognition
The top three teams will be recognized on DECA Direct Online and on stage during DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Challenge Timeline
- Challenge Submission Begins: January 25, 2023
- Challenge Submission Ends: February 17, 2023
- Top 3 Teams Travel to ICDC: April 22-25, 2023*
*Eligibility to attend DECA’s ICDC is determined by the chartered association advisor based on their rules and regulations. Finalists should consult with their chartered association advisor for eligibility guidelines and also gain approval from their chapter advisor to attend the conference.
Unreal
Who We Are
The Unreal Campaign is a consumer awareness program sponsored by the International Trademark Association (INTA), which aims to educate young consumers (14 to 23 years old) about the dangers of product counterfeiting and the importance of trademarks.
What Is Product Counterfeiting
The manufacturing or sale of fake products that are designed to look authentic and use a trademark without permission.
What We Do
Spread the message about the value of trademarks and the dangers of purchasing counterfeit products. Young consumers are an important part of e-commerce. We want them to understand and appreciate the implications of the sale of counterfeit products. The Amazon and INTA partnership is a way to amplify our efforts to educate young consumers and entrepreneurs about the value of trademarks, which can help them make smart purchasing decisions.
Why It Matters
Fake goods have negative economic, health and safety effects on us, our family, our friends, and our communities. Counterfeiting is also tied to child labor and organized crime. Young people have a tremendous opportunity to impact their world and make a difference on this issue. Say “no” to what’s unreal.
Questions?
Christy Rutherford is DECA's education manager. She enhances and manages an educational framework for DECA’s comprehensive learning program ensuring that all student programs are aligned to National Curriculum Standards. Christy also leads the advisor professional learning series and programs to support local chapter advisors.
