"We are ready to draw up amendments and we want law enforcement bodies to help us determine [the relevant] sanctions," Gref said at the coordinating session of law enforcement authorities on toughening measures against violations of intellectual property rights.
Gref said it was necessary to find ways to encourage officials to enforce anti-piracy laws while the authorities could still correct the situation.
Gref called for toughening sanctions against those in violation of copyright.
"However, tougher sanctions could lead to corruption, therefore these measures must be followed by the appropriate enforcement," he said.
The minister of economic development and trade asked those present to work out relevant proposals on changing the law to be later coordinated and sent to the State Duma for final adoption before the end of this year.
"We call it a violation of intellectual property rights, but it is sheer plundering and theft," Gref said. "If you steal a purse in a tram or a store, it will amount to a punishable crime. But if you steal millions in the intellectual property sphere, you get insufficient punishment," he said.
The minister said all the people involved in producing and selling counterfeit products, above all, salesmen, should be brought to justice for the "intentional sale of stolen things."
Gref also said leading figures of culture, science and art were preparing to participate in an anti-counterfeit campaign that will be held on Red Square soon. The minister said efforts to prevent illegal activity should be regularly organized. Trade inspections helped prevent violations in the past, but now control is weaker than before, Gref said.
