The Online Book Fraud Epidemic

By Noel Galon de Leon

The widespread proliferation of pirated books in online marketplaces across the country is a growing crisis that threatens the integrity of the Philippine publishing industry. I first observed this alarming trend during the pandemic while searching for books online, and it remains pervasive today. Just last week, while attempting to purchase copies of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, I was no longer surprised, but profoundly disheartened, to find counterfeit editions readily available. What is particularly troubling is the apparent lack of decisive intervention from government agencies tasked with regulating such activities. Sellers who distribute unauthorized reproductions and scanned copies of books continue to operate with impunity, exploiting gaps in enforcement and preying on unsuspecting consumers. This persistent issue raises urgent concerns about the failure of regulatory bodies to curb the illegal book trade, the ethical implications for publishing, and the broader consequences for intellectual property rights.

If we are genuinely committed to fostering a thriving literary landscape, we must take a unified stand in advocating for stronger protections, particularly for local and independent publishers who serve as the backbone of our literary culture. Emerging writers, who are only beginning to navigate the intricate and often unforgiving world of publishing, are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unchecked book piracy. Without decisive intervention, their creative labor risks being devalued and exploited in an industry that should instead nurture and safeguard their work. Addressing this crisis demands the immediate and unwavering attention of all stakeholders, particularly agencies such as the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), which bear the crucial responsibility of regulating the book industry and enforcing copyright laws. However, beyond merely fulfilling their mandates, these institutions must demonstrate a firmer commitment to protecting intellectual property, ensuring that authors and publishers receive the recognition and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Some may argue that my critique is too severe, as if these agencies have made no efforts to address the issue. To be fair, I recognize that they have initiated steps, such as conducting seminars and workshops, to raise awareness of copyright protection. However, awareness alone is an inadequate response to a crisis of this scale. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of strong, enforceable measures that would not only deter but decisively dismantle the circulation of counterfeit books. These agencies must move beyond passive advocacy and adopt a more assertive, results-driven approach, one that prioritizes actual enforcement over perfunctory discussions. A critical step in this direction is holding major e-commerce platforms, such as Shopee and Lazada, accountable for the rampant sale of pirated materials. Without stringent policies and tangible consequences for non-compliance, these platforms will continue to serve as thriving marketplaces for counterfeit books. If firm action is not taken, the publishing industry will remain in peril, and independent authors, particularly those striving to establish themselves, will continue to be marginalized and exploited in an ecosystem that prioritizes profit at the expense of intellectual property rights.

Evaluating the tangible actions of these agencies is not a complex task, one need only visit their official websites and social media pages to gauge their level of engagement. Yet, despite the urgency of the issue, there is little indication of substantial progress beyond surface-level initiatives. This is precisely where my challenge to them lies: government agencies must go beyond symbolic gestures and fundamentally strengthen their enforcement strategies. It is not enough to conduct awareness campaigns or issue policy statements; they must develop more rooted, context-specific approaches that directly address the realities of book piracy in the country. While conferences and policy discussions have their place in shaping the discourse, they are ultimately insufficient without concrete, enforceable actions. The fight against piracy cannot be waged solely within the confines of closed-door panels, especially when these discussions often remain inaccessible to the very communities most affected by the problem. If these agencies are serious about upholding intellectual property rights and protecting both authors and publishers, they must break free from performative measures and implement decisive, far-reaching solutions that confront the problem at its core.

A concrete and impactful intervention would be the implementation of a nationwide copyright awareness caravan, one that does not merely inform but actively empowers communities to combat book piracy. The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) should take the lead in organizing regional lecture series designed to reach key stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and school administrators. These sessions must go beyond theoretical discussions on intellectual property rights; they should expose the real dangers of counterfeit books, not just in terms of quality but in their broader implications for authors, publishers, and the integrity of the literary industry. More importantly, this initiative must provide communities with clear, accessible reporting mechanisms to flag and report illicit book sales, ensuring that enforcement does not remain an abstract concept but becomes a tangible and actionable process. Raising awareness is only the first step; what is needed is sustained, strategic action coupled with firm enforcement policies that will decisively curb the proliferation of counterfeit books. Without such measures, any effort to protect intellectual property will remain superficial, failing to produce the meaningful, systemic change that the Philippine publishing industry urgently requires.

Identifying counterfeit books is not a difficult task, as the warning signs are often glaringly evident. The most common indicators include subpar print quality, misaligned or blurry text, inconsistent page formatting, and frequent pagination errors. Many pirated editions are noticeably smaller than their original counterparts, often with missing, duplicated, or misarranged pages. Beyond these physical flaws, pricing serves as another crucial red flag, if a book is being sold at a price that seems too good to be true compared to the original edition, or if the seller is not an authorized distributor, it is highly likely to be counterfeit. To safeguard against purchasing illegitimate copies, buyers must exercise vigilance by carefully scrutinizing customer reviews, verifying seller credentials, and cross-checking with official sources. However, caution is necessary, as deceptive sellers frequently manipulate reviews, fabricating positive feedback to create a false sense of legitimacy. In an era where online shopping dominates the book market, critical consumer awareness is essential, not only to ensure the authenticity of purchases but also to uphold ethical reading practices and protect the rights of authors and publishers.

In an era where online shopping has become the default mode of purchasing books, consumers must adopt a more discerning and critical approach, not only to guarantee that they receive authentic copies but also to avoid inadvertently fueling an illicit industry that thrives on the exploitation of intellectual property. The fight against counterfeit books extends far beyond individual consumer rights; at its core, it is a battle to protect the livelihoods of authors and publishers who rely on fair compensation for their creative work. More importantly, it is about safeguarding the integrity of the literary industry, ensuring that original works continue to be valued, respected, and legally circulated. Every pirated book sold contributes to a system that prioritizes convenience and profit over ethical publishing, ultimately weakening the very foundation of a reading culture that should be built on respect for creative labor and intellectual ownership.

For discussions on book piracy and intellectual property to have a lasting impact, they must be meaningfully integrated into the classroom and treated with the seriousness they deserve. Educators play an important role in shaping ethical reading habits among students, and it is imperative that copyright is not merely mentioned in passing but thoroughly examined in terms of its legal, economic, and cultural significance. Beyond explaining the fundamental importance of intellectual property, educators must emphasize its direct consequences for writers and independent publishers, illustrating how piracy undermines creative labor and weakens the publishing industry. This issue is particularly relevant in subjects such as Creative Writing, Contemporary Issues, and Rizal studies, where students can critically engage with the challenges of authorship and publication. Even José Rizal himself encountered significant obstacles in publishing his works, had it not been for the generosity of Maximo Viola, who provided financial support, Noli Me Tangere might never have reached print. This historical context serves as a powerful reminder that sustaining literary production requires both patronage and strong legal protections. By embedding discussions on copyright and ethical publishing practices into the curriculum, educators can cultivate a new generation of readers and writers who understand the value of intellectual property and actively advocate for the rights of those who create the books they consume.

If we are to cultivate a thriving literary culture in the Philippines, addressing the counterfeit book trade must be treated as a national priority. The foundation of a strong reading culture begins with education, and a well-informed student body has the potential to grow into a generation of ethical readers, responsible consumers, and vocal advocates for intellectual property rights. The fight against book piracy extends beyond the protection of individual authors and publishers, it is about shaping a national ethos that values the written word, upholds the dignity of creative labor, and safeguards the sustainability of the publishing industry. Without this fundamental respect for books and the people who create them, our aspirations for a truly literate and reading-driven society will remain aspirational at best, perpetually hindered by an environment that tolerates intellectual theft. If we genuinely wish to foster a culture that celebrates literature and supports its creators, we must confront this issue with urgency and collective resolve.

Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.