Record Seizure of Counterfeit Goods in the Philippines A 2023 Overview

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reported a record-breaking seizure of counterfeit goods in 2023, with the government confiscating approximately P27 billion worth of intellectual property-infringing items. This figure surpasses the previous high of P24.90 billion in 2021, highlighting a significant increase in the crackdown on counterfeit products.

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), an interagency body led by IPOPHL, was instrumental in these efforts, with 94% of the seized items coming from operations conducted by the Bureau of Customs. Other contributors to the seizures included the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Optical Media Board (OMB), with various types of counterfeit products ranging from apparel to cigarettes and even fake goods in the food and drug categories.

IPOPHL Director General and NCIPR acting head Rowel Barba commended the record number of enforcement operations in 2023, totaling 3,087, which outpaced the previous year’s efforts. This success was attributed to more aggressive and strategic approaches, alongside effective coordination with intellectual property rights holders and enforcement teams.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the negative impact of counterfeit products on the economy and public health, urging consumers to support local, genuine products. Despite a decline in the number of intellectual property cases prosecuted in court, there was a notable increase in the conviction rate, indicating a more effective judicial process in dealing with these crimes.

The rigorous actions against counterfeit goods demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and addressing the economic and health risks associated with fake products.