Government seizes record P25 billion counterfeit items last year

MANILA, Philippines — Counterfeit goods seized by the government hit a record high of P24.9 billion last year despite pandemic-induced restrictions, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said.

As part of efforts to fight piracy, the IPOPHL is looking to implement a rolling site-blocking regime for those infringing IP rights this year.

IPOPHL director general Rowel Barba said in a press conference a record-high P24.9 billion worth of counterfeit goods were seized by the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR) from its inspection and raid operations last year, based on preliminary data.

Last year’s haul exceeded the previous record high of P23.6 billion worth of fake goods seized in 2018.

Compared to the P9.8 billion haul in 2020, counterfeit goods seized last year surged 154 percent,  showing a return to normal of raid operations and search.

“We attribute our record seizure to increased efforts and unwavering commitment of the NCIPR, given that this record was achieved even with pandemic restrictions. We also strategized on directing our efforts to the ‘bigger fish’ by targeting wholesale suppliers, large warehouses and logistics centers in various cities which proved to be hotspots for counterfeit goods,” Barba said.

Based on initial reports, cigarettes and alcohol made up the bulk, followed by handbags and wallets and footwear products.

NCIPR is a multi-agency group responsible for the formulation and implementation of plans and policies for the protection and enforcement of IP rights in the country.

Barba said counterfeiting and piracy complaints from right holders and reports from citizens received by the IP Rights Enforcement Office also reached a record-high 152 last year, higher than the 121 received in 2020 when an e-commerce boom was seen amid the pandemic.

Of the 152 reports and complaints received last year, 76 percent were of counterfeit goods and the remaining 24 percent were of pirated content.

He said the NCIPR is working closely with local government units (LGUs) to help them institutionalize an Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Piracy Policy to ensure the strict implementation of the IP Code, as well as promote fair business practices and respect for IP rights at the local level.

“We are also establishing stronger coordination processes with these LGUs. With an early notification and more information, the NCIPR can better prevent these illegal goods from getting into the hands of consumers and help IP right holders take action against violators,” he said.

He said the government would continue to work hard to keep the Philippines out of the European Commission and the US Trade Representative’s Special 301 Report which list countries with issues on IP rights protection and enforcement, in order to preserve the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

“This year, we are pushing to implement a rolling site-blocking regime that will effectively block access to IP infringing sites,” he said.

He said the IPOPHL is working with different government agencies, specifically the NTC, on this effort.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to forge that agreement that will be able to recommend sites involved in piracy so we can block it,” he said.