The 2016 Report on Trade in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods (“Report”) was published on 18 April 2016 by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”). The Report gives detailed insights into global counterfeiting activities, as well as ranks the most affected countries and industries. The Report notes that more than 100,000 seizures occurred globally during 2011 to 2013 and Turkey is the third largest source economy for infringing goods. Luxury products are identified as the most frequently seized goods around the world.
The report addresses infringement of trademarks, copyrights and patents and is based on studies of international trade statics and customs seizures of infringing products between 2011 and 2013.
Notable points in the Report include:
- In 2013, trade in counterfeit and pirated products represented up to 2.5% of world trade. In the same year, counterfeit and pirated products represented up to 5% of total imports into the European Union.
- A wide range of products are infringed, from high-end luxury goods, through to common consumer products.
- China is the largest source economy, accounting for 63.2% of total seizures in 2013, along with the highest number of seized counterfeit shipments originating from China.
- Chinese companies are also frequently affected by infringement.
- The most affected countries are the United States, Italy, France, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and Luxembourg.
- Trade routes and transit points change in response to enforcement developments and security gaps.
- During 2011 to 2013, more than 100,000 customs seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods occurred worldwide.
- Luxury products are the most frequently seized goods.
- After China and Hong Kong, Turkey is noted as the second largest source economy during 2011 and 2013. Turkish seizures constituted 3.3% of total global seizures in 2013.
- The footwear industry is the sector most hit globally by infringement.
- Almost 62% of seizures were postal shipments and small shipment is a rising trend.
- A significant amount of infringing labels and packaging were also seized, apart from infringing products themselves.
The Report was jointly prepared by the OECD and European Union Intellectual Property Office, with support from the World Customs Organization and the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union. Please see this link for full text of Report.
