June 8, 2021: World Anti-Counterfeit DayFor World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, O.A. (SPTO) has organized a series of events focused on the protection of Industrial Property Rights (IPR) and the fight against their violation. Throughout the week, the following events were held: ROUND TABLE “Connection between crimes against industrial property rights and other serious crimes. Europol's role in the fight against counterfeiting”. There is reliable data on the existence of organized crime groups that diversify their criminal activity into drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, extortion and other serious crimes, such as trafficking in counterfeit products of all kinds. The guests at this table were:
They shared their personal experiences in operations in which they have participated that demonstrated the connection between crimes against IPR and other serious crimes. Link to the recording: Round table: Connection between crimes against IP rights and other serious crimes ROUND TABLE "The health and safety of consumers against counterfeit products". We must not forget that the crimes of infringement of IPR affect not only bags, perfumes and clothes, but also all kinds of "sensitive" products, such as pesticides, anabolics, medicines, automobile spare parts, creams, food, and beverages. There is no doubt that the consumption of these products without guarantees can negatively affect our safety and health. The guests at this table were:
They shared current data on the number and type of counterfeit medicines and health products most frequently and the means through which they reach Spanish consumers. They have also told us about the actions that consumer organizations carry out to try to prevent the consumption of these products. In addition, we have learned first-hand details of the MEDICRIME agreement, of which Spain has been a party since 2013, some of its history, its purpose and objectives and results achieved. Link to the recording: Round table: Consumer health and safety against counterfeits ROUND TABLE "The role of local entities in the fight against counterfeiting" Is the consumer aware of the risks they are exposed if they buy in illegal or unauthorized street markets? What about the losses that accrue to the legal seller while feeding an illegal market of criminal gangs? The guests at this table:
These guests told us about the importance and resources of local entities to fight this crime and the serious consequences that it entails in the small and medium businesses of the municipality from the point of view of economic losses and entrepreneurship. They also discussed the actions of the local police against illegal street vendors. Link to the recording: Round table: The role of local entities in the fight against counterfeiting Likewise, on June 8, the EUIPO Observatory presented SPRING CAMPAIGNING, a pan-European awareness campaign against counterfeiting that was launched simultaneously in all EU countries. Consumer uncertainty about counterfeit products is a concern for European citizens and has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased e-commerce purchases and the proliferation of counterfeit medicines. Counterfeits not only affect consumers; the economy of the European Union (EU) and SMEs also suffer. For more information about this campaign, you can follow the following links: Link to the report: Risks and damages posed by IPR infringement in Europe
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