Illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated products is a major global challenge. It harms economic growth, puts consumers’ health and safety at risk and fuels organised crime, which, ultimately, undermines trust in the rule of law. The COVID-19 crisis has intensified these risks by shifting consumer demand and breaking supply chains, thus providing new opportunities for the bad actors that drive illicit trade networks. Policymakers need solid empirical evidence to act 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 that gauge illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.
We are very pleased to provide a unique insight into the factors that may make countries more likely to import counterfeit and pirated goods. We are confident that the results will enhance our understanding of the dynamics of illicit trade in counterfeits and facilitate the development of innovative policy options to respond to these challenges.
Christian Archambeau,
Executive Director,
EUIPO
Elsa Pilichowski,
Director, Public Governance Directorate,
OECD