Value of seized counterfeit goods down in May

MANILA, Philippines—The value of seized fake goods dropped slightly year-on-year as of May, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

However, IPOPHL director-general Ricardo R. Blancaflor said Thursday in a briefing that the value of seizures may ramp up towards yearend.

IPOPHL data showed that the value of seizures dropped 12.5 percent to P2.1 billion in the first five months from P2.4 billion in the same period last year.

Blancaflor said the decline was largely due to the “demoralization” of intellectual property (IP) enforcers as the United States kept the Philippines on its piracy watchlist.

Blancaflor said, however, that the volume and value of seizures tend to increase toward year-end, when consumption is at its peak.

Earlier this year, IPOPHL submitted the Philippines’ accomplishments on IP protection to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as the USTR starts its Special 301 review process on the IP situation worldwide.

In 2011, IPOPHL reported that authorities seized a total of P8.38 billion worth of counterfeit and pirated products or replicas of popular brands. That is 58.33 percent up from the 2010 figure.

IPOPHL said that seizing counterfeit goods is just one area in IP enforcement where respect for intellectual property can be cultivated.

“We feel triumphant of the achievement but we believe that inculcating respect for intellectual property is ultimately important,” Blancaflor said. “Only by having cultivated respect for IP in every Filipino will counterfeiting and piracy be totally eradicated, thus allowing IP rights owners to enjoy the rewards and benefits of their IP assets and encouraging more creativity and innovation among our people,” he added.

Blancaflor attributed the 2011 performance to the concerted efforts of the members of the National Committee of Intellectual Property Rights. Topping the 2011 enforcement operations of the NCIPR were the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs and the Optical Media Board.

The other NCIPR members involved in enforcement operations are the Philippine National Police, Food and Drug Administration and the National Telecommunications Commission.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Pilipinas Anti-Piracy Team or PAPT, of which IPOPHL is a member since September 2011, for its intensified fight against software piracy.

Based on IPOPHL enforcement data, Louis Vuitton had the highest estimated value of seized items among popular brands. Also notable in value are Ray-Ban eyeglasses, Chanel bags, Bulgari and Omega products.