Illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods poses a major challenge to a global economy. It is dangerous for consumers, damages economic growth and fuels organised crime, which can undermine trust in functioning markets and the rule of law. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing problems by re-shaping value chains, shifting consumer demand, and, consequently, opening new opportunities for illicit trade networks. At the same time, illicit trade creates significant additional risks to consumers, including health, safety and environmental risks. Policy makers need solid empirical evidence to take action against this threat. To meet this need, the OECD and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have long joined forces to carry out a series of analytical studies. The results have been published in a set of reports that gauge illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.
We are very pleased to provide a unique insight to the illicit trade in fake goods that pose health, safety and environmental threats. We are confident that the results will enhance our understanding of the risks that counterfeiting poses to the global economy and society, facilitate the development of innovative policy options to respond to these challenges, and promote clean trade in the COVID-19 recovery.
Christian Archambeau, Executive Director, EUIPO
Elsa Pilichowski, Director of the Public Governance Directorate, OECD