EU business survey identifies target countries to fight counterfeiting

06 Oct '06

3 min read

The European Commission has published the results of a survey of EU businesses on their experience with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement outside the EU in 2005.

The results have helped the Commission to define a list of priority countries and regions on which to focus activity and resources in the fight against counterfeiting.

The survey identifies China as the main priority for EU efforts in the fight against counterfeiting, accounting for two thirds of all counterfeit goods seized entering the EU. Secondary priorities are identified as Russia, the Ukraine, Chile and Turkey.

While the EU does not exclude the possibility of action in the WTO against IPR infringement, the EU is not creating a 'black list', but looking to focus technical assistance and cooperation in the joint fight against piracy.

Today's survey results send a message of concern and signal the EU's firm resolve to tackle it. The European Union is ready to help key third countries in improving their act; but will not accept systematic and large scale infringements of the rights of EU industry.

The results of the survey are intended to provide a resource for European businesses by making them aware of the risks they may face when dealing with certain third countries, but also by drawing attention to the resources available for protecting their intellectual property rights outside the EU.

Identifying target countries:

The survey results identify three categories of concern for counterfeiting.

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