Impacted parties

The vicitims of trade in counterfeited products are numerous:

Consumers

Consumers are not only misled, their health and safety are put at risk with counterfeited products such as health products (medicines and medicinal products), mechanical and computer-steered replacement parts, foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco.

Rights holders and producers of protected items

They see their good reputation endangered and suffer losses in sales and profits. In this case, it isn’t only large, international businesses which are affected, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals, including producers who hold the rights to geographical indications (e.g., local products) are affected too.

Economy

The economy loses tax income and jobs which in turn slows economic growth and causes increased social expenses.

Labor

The manufacturing of counterfeited products is primarily in the hands of organized crime: Child labor and inhuman working conditions are widespread.