Record-high counterfeit goods seized in 2023

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) has made a landmark seizure of counterfeit goods in 2023, valued at nearly P27 billion.

The figure sets a new record, exceeding the previous high of P24.90 billion recorded in 2021.

A vast majority, about 94%, of these confiscations are attributed to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), highlighting the key role of customs operations in stemming the flow of counterfeit items.

The remaining seizures were carried out by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Optical Media Board (OMB), collectively contributing to the rest of the seized goods’ value.

NCIPR Acting Chair and IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Rowel S. Barba noted that BOC’s seizures primarily consisted of counterfeit apparel, while the PNP’s focus was on illicit cigarettes found in warehouses across various provinces.

Barba commended the rigorous enforcement actions, which led to an uptick in operations to 3,087 in 2023 from 2,962 in the previous year.

The IPOPHL chief’s acknowledgment of the “more aggressive and strategic efforts” underpins the success of the NCIPR in protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of markets. This outcome was the result of comprehensive enforcement strategies, including general law enforcement, inspections, search warrants, and warrants of seizure and detention.

In line with these efforts, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and NCIPR Chair Alfredo E. Pascual praised the committee for its “remarkable dedication” and underscored the NCIPR’s pivotal role in fostering a fair and safe marketplace.

Pascual’s “Go Lokal, go original” initiative not only encourages consumer loyalty to authentic local goods but also cautions against the health risks posed by counterfeit products, particularly essentials such as food, medicines, and cosmetics.

IPOPHL’s IP Rights Enforcement Office Supervising Director Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan offered insight into the relationship between the value of seized goods and the counterfeit trade. A higher seizure value doesn’t necessarily indicate a rise in counterfeiting but may reflect the efficacy and transparency of enforcement operations.

The year 2023 saw a decline in prosecuted IP cases compared to 2022, yet the conviction rate has seen a notable increase, signaling a boost in the quality of evidence against infringers. Pangilinan-Canlapan highlighted this as a positive indicator of the justice system’s effectiveness in IP rights protection.

Director General Barba is looking ahead, urging fellow NCIPR members to maintain vigilance and further intensify their efforts, particularly in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector, where IP rights holders are increasingly vulnerable. (With reports from IPOPHL)