What is Counterfeiting?

Counterfeiting is the illegal reproduction (imitation) of products. Such imitation is illegal when an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) is infringed, among other things:

• a registered trademark or trade name, and/or
• an unregistered proprietary right for the "trade dress" or "get-up" or
• designation of a product, and/or
  a patent, utility model and/or design right/design patent, and/or
• a copyright.
  

Counterfeit Today

• Represents up to 15% of World Trade –
  more than double the estimates of 1997.
• The World’s greatest form of theft.
• Profits linked to Organised Crime.
• Profits linked to International Terrorism.
  
• Mostly traded illegally – Money Laundering.
• Serious Issues of Health and Safety.

Effect of Counterfeiting

• Loss of PRODUCTION
• Loss of MARKETS
• Loss of JOBS
• Loss of PROFIT
• Loss of BRAND REPUTATION
• Issues of PUBLIC LIABILITY
• Issues of HEALTH & SAFETY