Good to know
What is counterfeiting?
Counterfeiting is the unauthorised copying of an original product – counterfeiters try to imitate the characteristics, materials or look of an original or legally protected product in order to take advantage of the reputation of the original, which is based on a trademark, an indication of source (such as “Swiss Made”), a design or a patent.
What is piracy?
Piracy is the unauthorised copying of works. This means the unlicensed use of works or performances which are protected under copyright or related rights. Examples are films, music, books, pictures, computer software etc.
Counterfeit goods that infringe Swiss trade marks were mainly sent by post. The postal route accounted for 75% of all customs seizures.
In 2021, global trade in counterfeit goods infringing on Swiss trademarks was estimated to be CHF 4.47 billion – equivalent to 1.3% of Switzerland’s total exports
Over 2017-2019, about 54% of fake goods that infringe Swiss IP were sold to consumers who knew they were buying fake goods. The share of consumers who knowingly demand fake Swiss goods grows steadily; in the previous period, between 2011-2016, it amounted to 52.3%
Statistics on counterfeiting and piracy
OECD study shows effects of product piracy on Swiss economy
An OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) study commissioned by Switzerland examined the impact of counterfeit and pirated products on the Swiss economy. The focus was on four sectors that are particularly affected: watch-making; mechanical, electrical and metal engineering; fast-moving consumer goods; and pharmaceuticals.
Globally, the proportion of customs detentions involving small consignments rose from 61% in 2017–2019 to just under 80% in 2020–2021.
Statistics on counterfeiting and piracy from the Federal Office
for Customs and Border Security:
- 80% of Europeans agree that counterfeiting supports criminal organisations and ruins businesses and jobs. 2 out of 3 also see counterfeiting as a threat to health, safety and the environment.
- A third of Europeans find it acceptable to buy counterfeits if the price of the genuine product is too high. This figure rises to half among young people.
- 39% of Europeans have wondered whether something they have bought is a real product or a fake.
- 13% of Europeans report having bought counterfeits intentionally in the last 12 months. This figure goes up to 26% for those aged 15 to 24.
Enforcement of intellectual property rights in the EU: results for 2024
Approximately 112 million fake items were detained at the EU border and in the EU internal market in 2024, marking the second highest in the series.
Almost 74% of the products detained were recorded CDs/DVDs (including software), toys, clothing, clothing accessories, cigarettes (including electronic cigarettes), perfumes and cosmetics.
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