Philippines Reports Counterfeiting and Piracy, Complaints Decline In 2022
21 December 2022
In the period from January to November 2022, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) received a total of 92 reports and complaints about counterfeiting and piracy, a 40% drop from the 153 reports and complaints that were recorded during the same time previous year.
According to the most recent information from the IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO), there were 22 cases of piracy and 70 cases of counterfeiting.
Since clothing (shoes, shirts, bags, and eyewear) continues to be the most often counterfeited product on the market with a share of 61.9%, counterfeiting accounted for 75% of all reports and complaints. Following this were food (4.8%), household items (4.8%), automotive materials (3.2%), cigarettes (3.2%), electronics (7.9%), perfume and cosmetic products (7.9%), and pharmaceuticals/medical products (1.6%).
At 33.3%, software now ranks first on the list of issues with piracy. Following closely after are shows and movies (28.6%), works of art and paintings (19%), general eBooks (14.3%), and instructional books and eBooks (4.8%).
With 76.1% of all reports, concerned individuals remained the most frequent IP infringement reporters, while brand owners, who make up 23.4% of the reporter categorization, are starting to take over IP rights reports and complaints.
Teodoro C. Pascua, deputy director general, credits collaborations like the successful 2021 E-commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between e-commerce platforms and brand owners, which aims to establish more effective notice and take-down procedures and preventive measures on platforms, for the decline in complaints and reports received.
"With the assistance of partner brand owners and industry organizations, our e-commerce remains successful. IPOPHL is happy to see that platforms are continually enhancing the defenses required to combat piracy and counterfeiting,” said Pascua.
Recall that the e-commerce MOU has prompted more assertive actions against infringers and clamor for more participants in the digital economy to sign the MOU.
Online activity continues to be the major source of IP infractions in the meanwhile. This ranking is still topped by Facebook, which accounts for 60.6% of online reports and complaints. Instagram (6%), and other websites (15%) were listed in that order.
"Consumers are urged to be on the lookout for counterfeit and illegally obtained items, especially during the Christmas season. The general population is urged to utilize the takedown methods on e-commerce platform,” he said.
-Excel Dyquiangco
