Fast Facts
- Counterfeit goods are dangerous because they aren't quality controlled
- Not all cases of infringement are criminal offences.
- Penalties and other details are listed in the Guide to Offences
Documents
Raising awareness of IP crime, we bring together central government, enforcement agencies, and industry bodies to combat the threat posed by IP crime. We are not an enforcement agency.
What is IP crime?
Counterfeiters illegally use other people's trade marks, whereas piracy relates to the illegal use of copyright material.
Awareness and resources
We have joined forces with enforcement agencies, industry and other Government departments to raise awareness of IP crime.
Resolving disputes
There are many ways to resolve IP disputes. We offer a range of professional services and resources that can help.
Our role in IP crime
Under the National IP Crime Strategy, our specialist team looks at how the problem of IP crime can be tackled more efficiently.
Counterfeiting and piracy in the UK is a serious issue which impacts businesses, communities and consumers.
The Rogers Review in 2007 estimated that IP crime in the UK is worth £1.3 billion annually while the global trade in counterfeit and pirate products seized across borders is estimated by the OECD to be worth around $200 billion per year.
Counterfeit products also raise serious safety concerns and can put consumers at risk.
Further information is available to the IP enforcement community in the IP crime professional pages.
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