Government confiscates P35 billion worth of fake goods

MANILA, Philippines —  Counterfeit items confiscated by the government from January to September hit a record-high of P35.24 billion as agencies stepped up enforcement efforts.

The 15-member National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) announced in a press conference that the seized counterfeit items during the nine-month period surpassed the previous record-high of P26.89 billion in 2023.

IPOPHL director general Rowel Barba, who also serves as acting NCIPR chair, attributed the performance to increased enforcement efforts and unprecedented collaboration among committee members and rights holders.

“The success of our coordinated enforcement strategies sends a clear message that we stand firm against intellectual property violations. Dismantling counterfeiting networks is not merely regulatory, it’s foundational in spurring economic growth and upholding the values of fairness that we hold as a people,” Barba said.

The Bureau of Customs accounted for 99 percent of the total haul from January to September.

Other agencies such as the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation also had contributions amounting to P25.36 million and P14.5 million, respectively.

Items confiscated by the government include luxury items, electronics, basic consumer products, as well as vape products.

According to Barba, total counterfeit goods seized by the government may hit P40 billion by the end of the year.

With the holiday season approaching, acting Trade Secretary Cristina Roque urged consumers to resist the temptation of buying counterfeit items.

“Your choices shape our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit. By choosing quality and supporting our local MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), you fuel the engine of our economy and contribute to a Bagong Pilipinas — a Philippines where innovation and sustainability thrive. Let’s empower our communities and build a brighter future together,” Roque said.

In the same event, Barba said the IPOPHL hopes to work with the Department of Trade and Industry and other agencies in addressing issues in relation to confusingly similar products in the market.