Illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods poses a major challenge. It 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. The harm caused by illicit trade in counterfeits is particularly severe for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack the resources to monitor and counter this risk. Policy makers need solid empirical evidence to take action against illicit trade. To meet this need, the OECD and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have 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 infringed IP rights of small and medium-sized enterprises. We are confident that the results will enhance our understanding of the risk 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, Public Governance Directorate,
OECD