Counterfeit goods seizures reach P8.2B in 2017

AUTHORITIES confiscated at least P8.2 billion worth of counterfeit and pirated goods in 2017, the biggest such seizures since 2014, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said.

The multi- agency National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), which provided the estimates, said seizure values rose 26% in 2017, with the Bureau of Customs accounting for P5.8 billion, representing 70% of the total.

Electronics, optical media, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products were the most common items seized, indicating a shift from previous years.

In 2016, jewelry and watches, followed by cigarettes and alcohol and optical media, respectively, made up the bulk of counterfeited items.

Watches and jewelry also topped 2015 seizures, with optical media second followed by handbags and wallets. In 2014, the top three categories were apparel and accessories; handbags and wallets; and footwear.

“As this reflects the growing market demand for electronic goods and products involving public health and safety, we warn the public to be wary of counterfeiters exploiting this high demand,” IPOPHL Director General Josephine R. Santiago said in a statement on Monday.

Based on the data from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, both NCIPR members, a total of 309 search warrants were implemented. Customs issued 16 warrants of seizure and detention during the period. The Optical Media Board, also a member, conducted 2,770 inspections in 2017.

IPOPHL is tasked to administer the intellectual property (IP) system while pursuing violators of IP rights.

It sits as vice- chair of the 12-member NCIPR with the Department of Trade and Industry as chair. It was created in 2008 by president Gloria MacapagalArroyo through Executive Order 736. —