News
18.03.2013Flagrant imitators chosen
The dreaded negative award "Plagiarius" was awarded for the 37th time during an international press conference at the Frankfurt consumer goods trade fair, “Ambiente,” on 15 February 2013.The prize winners of the Plagiarius competition 2013 are:
1st prize: Street Lamp "Latina" (installed on "Al Waab Street", Doha, Qatar)
2nd prize: Porcelain Series "isola" (4 pieces)
3rd prize: Mitre Cutter (with stop faces at 45°)
Furthermore: Vegetable Cutter "swizzzProzzz sP20”
Press release and images.
05.03.2013
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics "Counterfeiting and piracy" 2012 are now available online (pdf 265 KB).12.09.2012
New Head of the Secretariat
After five years as head of the Secretariat of the STOP PIRACY Association, Iris Sidler has handed over this position to Lukas Lüthi as per 12 September 2012.08.08.2012
Customs statistics
EU customs statistics for 2011 (pdf 3.37 MB) are now available online.09.07.2012
Information stand on product piracy at Zurich airport
The holiday season is the travel season. The travel season is also the time for buying fake goods. Which is why Zurich airport customs station, in cooperation with STOP PIRACY, is informing travellers of the risks and consequences of counterfeiting and piracy at Zurich airport from 6 - 15 July 2012. Media Release (in German, pdf 161 KB)26.04.2012
Anti-Counterfeiting at the BEA
Swiss customs is more and more frequently withdrawing goods from circulation suspected of being counterfeit; the number of seizures has increased by more than 140% since 2009. It cannot continue this way! With awareness campaigns, STOP PIRACY wants the Swiss to stop getting their fingers burned by counterfeits. Media Release (pdf 106 KB)26.04.2012
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics "Counterfeiting and piracy" 2011 are now available online (pdf 265 KB).12.04.2012
Your guide to buying on the internet
Under the aegis of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and of the Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau (FCAB), various federal agencies have compiled a "Guide to Online Shopping", available in German, French and Italian (see the SECO and FCAB media release). On the www.e-commerce-guide.admin.ch platform, consumers are presented with numerous information on the topics of buying online, intellectual property, data protection, security and customs clearance. The platform also provides information on the risks of counterfeit goods available on the internet and refers to a number of pages on the STOP PIRACY website.28.03.2012
"Black Sheep 2012" award for the most blatant rights infringements on the internet
Have you bought a counterfeit product online but have paid the price of the original? Or have you purchased and paid for something online but didn't receive the goods? In order to make consumers aware of such abuse, "THE BLACK SHEEP" action was launched. With the award of a negative prize, the initiative calls attention to criminal practices on the internet. The prize winner for 2012 is now known (available in German only).22.02.2012
Flagrant imitators chosen
The dreaded negative award "Plagiarius" was awarded for the 36th time during an international press conference at the Frankfurt consumer goods trade fair, “Ambiente,” on 10 February 2012.The prize winners of the Plagiarius competition 2012 are:
1st prize: Lightweight Forged Wheel "AC Schnitzer Type V", distributed by a German company.
2nd prize: Salad Making System "Salad Chef", manufactured by a Chinese company.
3rd prize: Fog Generator for Mosquito- and Pest Control "Swingfog SN 50", manufactured by a Chinese company.
Press release and images.
10.02.2012
Awareness campaign at the St. Gallen Holiday Fair
The average Swiss usually comes into contact with counterfeits when on holiday. To help give counterfeit souvenirs the cold shoulder, STOP PIRACY is showing the risks and background of fake goods at the St. Gallen Holiday Fair together with the Federal Customs Administration. You can visit the stand in Hall 3.1 of the Olma exhibition site from 10-12 February 2012.26.10.2011
WIPO Comic “Honmono – genuine goods”
The manga from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) aims to bring the problems and risks of counterfeit products closer to home in a simple and entertaining way. Stories appearing in the comic were written and illustrated by the successful video game designer Emiko Iwaskaki. The English and Japanese versions of the comic were published in September and further versions in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish are to follow. For further information.25.10.2011
STOP PIRACY DAY 2011 - Collectively against medicines with a shady past
Illegal medicines are lethal - this is one of the main messages of a joint national campaign by the Swiss therapeutic products authority, Swiss pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland. Under the umbrella of STOP PIRACY, they are calling upon consumers to not buy any therapeutic products via the internet.Media Release (available in German, French and Italian, pdf 77 KB)
04.10.2011
Counterfeit watches on the Internet - Report fraud!
A member of STOP PIRACY, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH has recently put a form on line enabling web surfers all over the world to report to it any site, advertisement or other information with a bearing on counterfeit watches. From now on, everyone can therefore take part in the fight against counterfeiting by notifying any unlawful content to the FH using the form. This will enable the Internet unit of the FH to acquire a further source of information to combat counterfeit products sold on the web. If the reported cases can be accessed on the web, the necessary measures to have these unlawful offers removed will be taken immediately.Through this action and while seeking their help, the FH wishes to make consumers aware of the issue of counterfeit articles sold on the Internet. A few months ago, a lure site was launched as a virtual barrier reminding potential future purchasers that their action is illegal.
16.09.2011
Plagiarius Competition 2012
The registered society Action Plagiarius has again announced the Plagiarius competition for this year. Companies, designers and inventors are invited to submit their original products and alleged imitations and to nominate the plagiarist - manufacturers and/or distributors - as the winner of the negative award. You can find further information on the Plagiarius website.05.08.2011
Customs statistics
EU customs statistics for 2010 (pdf 1.7 MB) are now available online.30.06.2011
Geneva Airport aids passengers in detecting counterfeiting during their holidays
This summer, Geneva Airport authorities are partnering in a new campaign by STOP PIRACY which aims to educate passengers about the risks and dangers of counterfeited products. Media release (in French, pdf 45 KB).10.03.2011
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics "Counterfeiting and piracy" 2010 are now available online (pdf 19 KB).11.02.2011
Flagrant imitators chosen
The dreaded negative award "Plagiarius" was awarded for the 35th time during an international press conference at the Frankfurt consumer goods trade fair, “Ambiente,” on 11 February 2011.The prize winners of the Plagiarius competition 2011 are:
1st prize: Multifunctional Workbench “1500-SPA“, manufactured by a German company.
2nd prize: Veggi Cut Revolution "swizzzProzzz", distributed by a Chinese company.
3rd prize: Event Bag "Basic", distributed by a German company.
Press release and images.
09.12.2010
The Council of Europe has adopted a convention to fight illegal counterfeiting of medicines
The so-called MEDICRIME Agreement requires signatory states to criminalise the manufacturing, supplying and selling of counterfeit medicines, among other things. A committee to monitor enforcement is also envisioned. All Member States of the Council of Europe, the EU as well as non-member states can be signatories to the convention. See Press Release from the European Council.16.11.2010
"Stories from the internet... that no-one would like to live"
On 16 November 2010 agencies of the Confederation and cantons have published a joint publication entitled "Stories from the internet - that no-one would like to live". The comic strips illustrate dangerous situations on the web and how they can be detected and avoided. The objective is to strengthen population's security and confidence in using information and communication technologies (ICT). A story about the online purchase of a counterfeit product; STOP PIRACY supported the project team in an advisory capacity in the development of this story. To the "Stories from the internet" / Media release.28.10.2010
STOP PIRACY steamrollers counterfeits
The public-private partnership STOP PIRACY has launched its "Piracy is cruel" campaign to mark STOP PIRACY DAY 2010. The heavyweight highlight of the event was a steamroller that flattened thousands of counterfeits at Berne-Belp Airport. Media release (pdf 86 KB).15.10.2010
STOP PIRACY DAY 2010
Invitation in German, French (pdf 86 KB).14.10.2010
Worldwide operations to combat illegal online supply of medicines
Over 40 countries from all continents took part in an international week of action, "Operation Pangea III", to combat online trade in counterfeit and illegal medicines with a view to raising awareness of the health risks involved. During the week, and among other results, 290 websites were closed and a number of individuals were apprehended. In addition, over 260,000 parcels were inspected at 328 postal hubs and 10,900 parcels containing more than 1,000,000 units of medicines were seized. For more information.04.10.2010
Plagiarius Competition 2011
The registered society Action Plagiarius has again announced the Plagiarius competition for this year. Companies, designers and inventors are invited to submit their original products and alleged imitations and to nominate the plagiarist - manufacturers and/or distributors - as the winner of the negative award. You can find further information on the Plagiarius website.28.07.2010
Once again, increasing imports of illegal medicinal products – dangerous slimming products
During the first half of 2010, the members of STOP PIRACY, Swissmedic and customs once again have observed a considerable increase in medicinal products illegally ordered over the Internet. A particular cause for concern here is the multiplication of imports of the dangerous slimming product LiDa Daidaihua. Press release.27.07.2010
Statistics
EU statistics for 2009 (pdf 1'496 KB) are now available online.02.07.2010
STOP PIRACY awareness week at Geneva Airport
Fotos of the awareness week01.07.2010
New publication from the Institute for Combating Economic Crime
Dr. Isabelle Augsburger-Bucheli from the Institute for Combatting Economic Crime (and STOP PIRACY member) has published the book, "La lutte contre la contrefaçon et la criminalité pharmaceutique en Suisse" (The fight against counterfeiting and pharmaceutical crime in Switzerland). The book can be ordered either by filling in a form (pdf) or by ordering online and costs CHF 26.-- plus postage.30.06.2010
Geneva Airport Awareness Campaign, 1 - 7 July 2010
From 1 to 7 July 2010, the STOP PIRACY Association is once again running an awareness campaign, this year at Geneva Airport. The goal is to make travellers aware of the risks and dangers of counterfeit goods, in particular with regards to handbags, clothing, medication and watches. Press release in French (pdf 282 KB).09.06.2010
BASELWORLD receives GACG Award
The World Watch and Jewellery Show BASELWORLD has received the GACG Award in Paris from the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) for its endeavours in the fight against product piracy and for the protection of intellectual property. This award was made especially in recognition of the endeavours of the BASELWORLD Panel, which, as an internal arbitration tribunal for the show, has been engaged in the protection of intellectual property for more than 25 years and has thus been supporting the worldwide fight against counterfeit products. MCH Group Ltd. is the organiser of BASELWORLD and a member of STOP PIRACY.06.06.2010
STOP PIRACY participates at the WIPO Open Day
On the occasion of World Environment Day on 5 June 2010, WIPO opened its doors to the public for the first time ever. Many stands, including the STOP PIRACY stand, sensitised visitors to the topic of intellectual property.10.03.2010
Counterfeit goods arrive in Switzerland in numerous small consignments
Internet orders and counterfeit goods in luggage lead to approximately twice as many customs interventions in 2009 as in 2008. STOP PIRACY takes appropriate clarification measures.Press release (pdf 86 KB).
10.03.2010
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics for 2009 (pdf 140 KB) are now available online.12.02.2010
Flagrant imitators nominated
The dreaded negative award "Plagiarius" was awarded for the 34th time at the Frankfurt consumer goods trade fair, “Ambiente,” on 12 February 2010. The most flagrant counterfeit products were nominated. Anastasia Li-Treyer, the STOP PIRACY president, was also a member of the jury.The prize winners of the Plagiarius competition 2010 are:
1st prize: An ice cube tray manufactured by a Chinese company.
2nd prize: A toy combine-harvester distributed by a company in Poland.
3rd prize: A multimedia chair distributed by a German company.
Press release.
22.01.2010
"Bought a counterfeit - what can you do?" flyer
Have you fallen into the trap of buying a counterfeit and don’t know what you can do about it?The flyer in German produced by STOP PIRACY in collaboration with the consumer forum, Konsumentenforum kf, can help you! It shows, for example, what possibilities you have to fight back or where you can report the incident.
30.11.2009
Save tax by donating to STOP PIRACY
STOP PIRACY has been officially recognised by the Tax Administration as a non-profit organisation. Voluntary payments of money or other assets to STOP PIRACY can therefore be deducted up to a maximum amount from taxable income or profits. Make a donation today and optimise your taxes!30.10.2009
"Recognising Counterfeits" flyer
Do you want to make sure that a product is genuine before you buy it? Are you unsure about what you should look out for? The flyer in German produced by STOP PIRACY in collaboration with the consumers association, Konsumentenforum kf, can help you! A checklist indicates which points can help you to recognise counterfeits.23.10.2009
STOP PIRACY DAY 2009
Media release in German, French (pdf 116 KB).17.07.2009
Statistics
EU statistics for 2008 (pdf 981 KB) are now available online.01.07.2009
STOP PIRACY awareness week at Zurich Airport
Fotos of the awareness week23.06.2009
STOP PIRACY wishes you an authentic holiday!
Swiss Customs has been confiscating counterfeited goods from travelers—mostly handbags, clothing, medicines and watches—since July 2008. To increase traveler awareness of the risks and dangers behind counterfeited items, the STOP PIRACY Association is carrying out an education campaign at the Zurich International Airport from July 1 – 7, 2009. Media release (pdf 33 KB)20.05.2009
New publication of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Together with private partners, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center launched the new publication "Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Manual: A Practical and Legal Guide for Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights" (pdf 2.2 MB).18.05.2009
How do I apply for assistance from the Customs Administration?
Do you want the Customs Administration to remove counterfeit and pirated copies of your products from circulation at the border crossing? You don’t know how to do it? The new STOP PIRACY Form (in German / French / Italian, doc 318 KB) can help you! It gives a comprehensive view of what the requirements are for an application for assistance to protect trademarks, designs, patents and copyright, which supporting documents you need to submit, how the process runs etc. in an easy to understand way.25.02.2009
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics for 2008 (pdf 160 KB) are now available online.10.02.2009
The Impact of STOP PIRACY DAY 2008
The first Switzerland-wide STOP PIRACY DAY on 25 October 2008 was a complete success. In this time, the number of hits on the STOP PIRACY website increased by almost 250%. An increase in awareness of wrongdoing can be seen in the software industry as significantly more instances of counterfeiting are being reported. And drugs which were submitted for checking to the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic, resulted in valuable information on illegal medicines that can be found in Switzerland. Analysis showed that these mostly concerned erection stimulants, hair restorer and hormone preparations of low or doubtful quality. Most of these drugs are in fact only available on prescription as taking these drugs without a medical examination or advice can be unsafe.10.02.2009
STOP PIRACY DAY Winners Announced
Congratulations to Mr Oliver Maey who has won a trip for two to the Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles! The ‘Meet and Greet’ prize with Anatole Taubman, the Swiss bad guy in the new James Bond film, went to Mr Daniel Pützschler, and Mr Zoran Bjelic and Mr Nicolas Fehér can both amuse themselves with an Xbox games console each. STOP PIRACY wishes all of these and the other 96 winners plenty of fun with their prizes.11.11.2008
Did you commit an offense today?
About 90% of all copyright infringements happen online – without offenders even knowing it. But that doesn't spare them from persecution. Do you know your rights on the Web? Are you always on the safe side, or do you have one leg in jail? Test your knowledge with the SPIEGEL quizz (only in German).16.10.2008
STOP PIRACY DAY: Thanks for your vote!
The first Swiss STOP PIRACY day will be on 25 October 2008. STOP PIRACY Day is an initiative by the STOP PIRACY association with the support of, in particular, Interpharma, Swissmedic, Microsoft , pharmaSuisse and SAFE to show appreciation to those who purchase only original products, thus undermining the global counterfeiting industry.07.10.2008
October 25 is STOP PIRACY Day
Exactly right for the original – STOP PIRACY Day is October 25 in Switzerland. A variety of events will be taking place: Many pharmacies are offering to check medications bought over the internet for authenticity at no fee and no penalty. Select retail stores will offer software at special prices, and a competition with super prizes will be held. The goal of the action is to sensitize the internet-shopping public. In addition, the pharmaceutical, music, film and software b ranches want to thank those who do not consume counterfeited products.03.10.2008
Workshop “Counterfeiting and Piracy: From problem to solution”
The goal of this workshop is to examine the problem of counterfeiting and piracy of IP-protected products in depth from various points of view. Presenters will analyze the background of counterfeiting and piracy and report on their experience in various industry sectors as well as from the point of view of consumers. In addition, the latest legal measures for combating counterfeiting and piracy will be presented and the practical application by federal and criminal authorities will be discussed. A concluding round table will discuss the question: “Can the fight against counterfeiting be won? What do we need to do?“ (link to program schedule and registration form , in German only).01.07.2008
Destruction of counterfeited watches and DVD's: Buying counterfeited goods isn't worth it anymore: Swiss Customs can now destroy imported counterfeits
New regulations for combating counterfeiting and piracy entered into force in Switzerland today. With them, importing counterfeited trademark and design goods into Switzerland--even for private use--is now illegal. To highlight the entering into force of the new regulations, the Swiss Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Platform STOP PIRACY, the Central Office for Precious Metal Control, the Swiss Watch Industry FH, and the Swiss association for combating piracy (SAFE) held a destroy action of counterfeited Swiss watches and pirated DVD's (see press release
in German, pdf 109 KB or in French, pdf 106 KB).
26.06.2008
Press conference "Improved protection for intellectual property as of July 1, 2008"
Legal measures for dealing with counterfeited goods and piracy products will be more comprehensive in Switzerland begin-ning July 1. They reflect current developments and affect consumers as well. A joint press conference about the changes was held by the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and the STOP PIRA-CY association (Media release, pdf 41 KB).24.06.2008
New flyer for STOP PIRACY
The new flyer for STOP PIRACY is now available. It gives information about the dangers of counterfeited and pirated products, valuable tips about how to recognize imitations and encourages people to 'take the wind' out of the sails of pirates and counterfeiters! (Flyer, pdf 142 KB).12.06.2008
Invitation to the Press Conference
"Intellectual property will be protected even better in Switzerland as of 1 July 2008"
At a press conference on June 26, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and the organization STOP PIRACY, a cooperative initiative by the public and the private sector against counterfeiting and piracy, will be explaining the content and effects of the new legislation against counterfeiting and piracy (Invitation, pdf 138 KB).09.05.2008
Statistics
EU statistics for 2007 (pdf 227 KB) are now available online.25.04.2008
Swissmedic provides information on the risks of obtaining medicines from the Internet
Hundreds of counterfeited medicines, of poor or ineffective quality, are being purchased globally over the internet. The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) has issued a new guideline (pdf 60 KB) explaining the legal background on Internet trade, informing of the risks involved, and offering tips on how to find information about medicines on the internet.22.04.2008
Last Stop
The St. Galler Tagblatt reports about the confiscation and destruction of counterfeited goods destined for private use (Article in German, pdf 512 KB).02.04.2008
Colloquium on the counterfeiting of pharmaceutical products
On Friday, May 23, 2008 a one-day colloquium concerning the counterfeiting of pharmaceutical products will be held in the tower of the Federal Statistical Office in Neuchatel. The one-day event has been organized by various organizations under the auspices of STOP PIRACY (including: Institute for combating economic criminality, Institute of criminal authorities for Western Switzerland, University of Neuchatel, Institute for health law, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products-Swissmedic, and Federal Institute of Intellectual Property). The seminar is intended for civil and criminal authorities, representatives from the police and customs authority, cantonal pharmacies, representatives from health agencies, and attorneys involved in the area of health or intellectual property (download program in French, pdf 1.9 MB / application).23.03.2008
Customs is the Last Stop for Fakes
The "Südostschweiz am Sonntag" newspaper recently published an article on the future confiscation of counterfeited articles at the Swiss customs, including a comment by Felix Addor (Deputy Director General of the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and Vice-President of STOP PIRACY) and Andreas Tschöpe (Foundation for Consumer Protection). The article also includes tips on how to recognize fakes (see Article, in German, pdf 187 KB).19.03.2008
iPhone
Volkiland has been selling original Apple iPhones since the beginning of March - even though Apple does not distribute the cell phone in Switzerland yet. At the same time, counterfeits from China are for sale (20 Minuten in German, see story in German, pdf 42 KB, and photo, pdf 102 KB, © by www.20min.ch).06.03.2008
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics for 2007 (pdf 149 KB) are now available online.06.01.2008
CD-Rom “Music and Copyrights”
The University of Neuchatel and SUISA have produced a CD-Rom titled "Music and Copyrights." The multimedia product for PCs, in French, uses a fun, interactive format for the younger generation to teach about copyrights in the field of music and raise awareness about author rights and the fight against piracy. The CD is available free of charge through the University of Neuchatel media, communication and marketing service, E-mail or contact SUISA , Avenue du Grammont 11bis, 1007 Lausanne, telephone 021-614-3232, E-mail.07.12.2007
Anit-Counterfeiting and Piracy Conference, University of Geneva
The Law Faculty of the University of Geneva in collaboration with the STOP PIRACY Association has organized a one-day conference on the topic of counterfeiting and piracy. The schedule and program (French only, pdf 202 KB) for the February 15th, 2008 conference is available online in a printable version.01.12.2007
STOP PIRACY president and vice-president interviewed by SWISS magazine
SWISS magazine spoke with President Anastasia Li-Treyer and Vice-President Felix Addor of STOP PIRACY on the global trade in counterfeited goods. Read their interview here (in German, pdf 102 KB).02.11.2007
OECD
Work on the first phase of the OECD project on counterfeiting and piracy has been completed, and a draft of the study report about “The Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy” can be found at OECD.03.10.2007
STOP PIRACY – Counterfeiting and Piracy in Sight
In Switzerland, representatives of the private sector and the administration have teamed up to fight counterfeiting and piracy in the framework of STOP PIRACY. Today’s member assembly was focused on the public campaigns aimed at waking the public up to this issue. Media release (pdf 51 KB)25.09.2007
Statistics
EU statistics for 2006 (pdf 282 KB) are now available online.01.07.2007
Founding of STOP PIRACY Association
The Swiss Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Platform was transformed into a legal association on July 1, 2007. This represents a new phase for the initiative which was launched by the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and the ICC Switzerland as an effort to combine efforts from the private and public sectors.08.06.2007
Workshop
STOP PIRACY, the Swiss Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Platform, announces a workshop titled "Fighting Counterfeiting and Piracy on the Internet" (invitation in French or German, pdf 316 KB) to be held June 22, 2007 at the World Trade Institute, Hallerstrasse 6, 2012 Bern. The time is 9.00 till 16.00 hours.11.05.2007
International Exhibition of Inventions
The International Exhibition of Inventions took place in Geneva April 18-22, 2007. Among the exhibitors, the STOP PIRACY stand was highly visible (see photos, pdf 122 KB).04.05.2007
www.stop-alla-pirateria.ch
Information about the Swiss Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Platform in Italian is now available.13.04.2007
Muba
STOP PIRACY teeshirts a big hit at the customs authority stand. Photos (pdf 226 KB) from the event (by kind permission of Rahel Gass, Karin Märki, and Patricia Leuenberger).10.04.2007
Trademark Piracy
Article on trademark piracy printed in the Jan./Feb. 2007 "persönlich" magazine in German (pdf 924 KB), by kind permission of the editor-in-chief.23.03.2007
Statistics
Federal Customs Administration statistics for 2006 are now available online.21.03.2007
VICTORINOX
VICTORINOX successfully fights product pirates at CeBIT: Press release in German (pdf 15 KB).16.02.2007
Interview with Thomas Pletscher
Moneycab-Interview in German with Thomas Pletscher, Secretary-General of the Swiss Section of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC, Monday, 12 February 2007.16.01.2007
STOP PIRACY launched
"STOP PIRACY," the public awareness campaign by the Swiss Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Platform was launched today, Tuesday January 16, 2007, as part of a press conference in Zurich. More information about the event and the topic can be found in the press folder.09.01.2007
