Counterfeiting, plagiarism and piracy: a global problem

Counterfeiting and plagiarism are a global problem. Not only are there more and more counterfeit products, they are also being better reproduced. For most trademark owners, this is a serious problem that requires a serious solution. Research shows that more than 15% of world trade now consists of counterfeit products. That corresponds to a turnover in excess of € 300 billion per year.

Examples of counterfeit products

We encounter counterfeiting and plagiarism everywhere. Everyone is aware of examples of counterfeit products, such as clothes, watches and fragrances and perhaps a counterfeit watch or t-shirt may appear quite inconsequential. But, what about medicines, car parts and drinks. They too are being widely counterfeited with potentially serious consequences.

Counterfeiting can cause considerable damage

Counterfeiting is not only harmful to the economy and employment, it can also be harmful to health. Counterfeiting is now also one of the most profitable criminal activities. For many, counterfeiting or plagiarism may seem a distant issue, but absolutely everything can be and is copied. This could include your products too.

Infringement of various rights

It appears from recent research by the European Commission that China continues to be the source of a large proportion (84%) of counterfeit products into the EU. Its research also shows that other countries also have important role to play. Turkey is well known for its cloned food products, for example. Thailand is known for the counterfeiting of non-alcoholic beverages, Hong Kong for memory cards and India for the counterfeiting of medicines.

Within the EU, it is mainly cigarettes and office equipment that are confiscated at customs borders. But lifestyles in the West are changing. Technology now plays an important role. We are making increasing use of mobile communication with devices such as telephones and tablets. The popularity of such products does not go unnoticed. The enormous growth potential of these products means that they are being copied too.

Moreover, it is not only striking that counterfeit products are becoming more realistic, but that counterfeit goods are also more quickly brought to market. In fact, in our work, we increasingly encounter situations where a copy appears on the market earlier than the original. This not only involves an infringement of trademark rights, but also design rights and technology (patent infringement).

Would you like to know more about counterfeiting, plagiarism and piracy?

Whatever the product, the damage caused by counterfeiting, plagiarism and piracy can be enormous. Novagraaf has unique anti-counterfeiting tools and services to counter such activities. Trademark watching is also important in this respect, as is taking action in the case of trademark infringement and disputes. For any of these matters, feel free to contact our specialists. You can do this using the contact form at the top right of this page.

If you are mainly active in your own country and would like to know more about combating infringement, click here for more information. If you are mainly active overseas, please click here.