German Anti-Counterfeiting Association

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16.01.2024: New study by EUIPO

The European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has investigated the economic impact of counterfeit clothing, cosmetics and toys in the EU. The loss of sales is in the billions. more

23.11.2023: EU Customs Statistics

The European Commission`s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) and the EUIPO have published their statistics on the enforcement of intellectual property rights at the EU`s external borders and in the EU internal market for the year 2022 more

21.11.2023: APM Press Release

High season for counterfeiters - Criminals unfortunately do good business again on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. more

Online Seminar on 12. March 2024

"Brand theft in China: Links to product piracy and new aspects of an old prpblem"

Fake
Goods

Counterfeit products account for 5.8% of EU imports.

5,8%

(Source: OECD / EUIPO, The Global Trade in Counterfeit Goods, 2021)

Original or
Forgery?

One in three Europeans is not sure whether a product they buy is genuine or counterfeit.

33%

(Source: EUIPO, IP Perception 2020)

Dangerous counterfeits

In 2019, European customs authorities classified nearly 16 percent of counterfeit products seized as potentially dangerous.

70% of companies affected

According to a VDMA study, 70% of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are affected by product piracy.

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Dangerous counterfeits

36.8% of counterfeit products seized at EU borders are potentially hazardous to health or safety.

36,8%

(Source: European Commission, EU customs statistics for 2018)

Infringements of trademark rights

The majority of customs seizures concern infringements of trademark rights.

(Quelle: Deutsche Zollstatistik)

Consequences of product and brand piracy

Loss of sales
Damage to the brand
Unjustified warranty claims / claims for damages
Job losses
Lost tax revenue
Dangers for consumers
State and private costs for combating product piracy

Damage in
millions

The value of counterfeits seized in Germany has risen continuously in recent years.

(Source: Deutsche Zollstatistik)

Apprehensions of
Counterfeits

Most of the counterfeits are found in postal traffic. Most of the items come from online trade.

(Quelle: Deutsche Zollstatistik)

IPR-intensive economic sectors

(Source: EUIPO & EPA, IPR-intensive industries and economic performance in the EU, 2019)

IPR-intensive industries in the EU secure approx.

of foreign trade.

Registration of Community trade marks

(Source: EUIPO Statistik, Stand: Mai 2022)

Product piracy has many faces – Health risks, quality defects, disappointed expectations.

"Product piracy is life-threatening when spare parts for cars or airplanes are counterfeited. Product piracy destroys jobs when companies lose their sales markets. Quality and value work deserve our protection. To this end, the Action Circle makes its meaningful contribution."

"The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) works in the interest of its customers through numerous cooperations worldwide to ensure that the value of intellectual property is appreciated and innovations are effectively protected. The APM pursues the same goals with crowd-pleasing and demonstrative activities that complement our actions well."

"We must preserve and protect prosperity and well-paying, secure jobs. Product and brand piracy pose a threat to the future of work."