December 2025 | Bulletin num.183 |
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EUROPOL has withdrawn 16.6 million counterfeit toys from the marketEUROPOL has withdrawn 16.6 million counterfeit toys from the market During Christmas holidays, good wishes, family reunions, and, above all, the excitement of the youngest members of the household flourish in the warmth of European homes. But everything could go wrong due to a threat that lurks in children's health and puts the community's economy at risk: counterfeit toys. In the midst of preparations for the Christmas season, when toy sales skyrocket, police forces from 26 countries, including Spain, have participated in Operation LUDUS, coordinated by EUROPOL. As part of this operation, now in its fifth year, European authorities have withdrawn a total of 16.6 million counterfeit toys from the market, with an estimated value of €36.8 million. At the end of last month, EUROPOL published the report “Cheating the toy world,” which warns of the dangers of distributing counterfeit toys, in light of the evidence obtained during the various editions of this important operation. The study concludes that criminal organizations are very active in the counterfeiting of children's products, a crime that not only seriously jeopardizes the safety of children, but also generates millions in losses for the industry, erodes brand credibility, and poses a threat to economic development and environmental health. The toy sector is the hardest hit by counterfeiting in the European Union. More specifically, in Spain, this type of crime causes an average loss of 11.1% in sales, equivalent to €113 million and 235 fewer jobs. Added to this are other crimes, such as tax evasion, which has a direct impact on public coffers and erodes the competitiveness of legitimate businesses. Operation LUDUS V, carried out between 2024 and 2025, led to the seizure of 8.2 million counterfeit products valued at €8.7 million. The previous edition of this operation, carried out between 2023 and 2024, seized 8.4 million units worth €28.1 million. Investigations reveal that most of these products entered the European Union via regular maritime routes, violating industrial property rights and safety standards. Consumer awareness is key The OEPM is continuing its annual advertising campaign to raise awareness of counterfeiting. This year's slogan, “Good, beautiful and... authentic!”, reminds consumers that there is no such thing as cheap counterfeits and that the potential damage they cause can sometimes be paid for with one's own health. More information
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Table of ContentsThe European Industrial Property ForumGeographical Indications ProceduresEUROPOL has withdrawn 16.6 million counterfeit toys from the marketExchange of Examiners between the Japanese Patent Office and the Spanish Patent and Trademark OfficeThe SME Fund 2025 closes with great success and prepares for its next editionBlogLa importancia y el valor social de los premios a la innovación |
