Campaign against counterfeiting

Campaign against counterfeiting

Every year, millions of counterfeit products are seized across the European Union, causing enormous economic losses. In Spain, the State Security Forces seized more than six million counterfeit items last year, with an estimated market value of €251.5 million, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of the Interior.

Behind counterfeiting lie criminal networks that operate internationally against industrial property rights. The consequences for the economy and employment are dire, as this criminal activity destroys direct and indirect jobs and significantly reduces the sale of legitimate products.

Every year, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) launches an awareness campaign on the social and economic consequences of counterfeiting goods and merchandise.

This year, the campaign was presented to coincide with the III European Industrial Property Forum, organized by the association for the defense of trademarks (ANDEMA) with the support of the OEPM. The launch also coincides with Black Friday, one of the periods of the year, along with Christmas, when consumers make the most purchases.

Awareness is essential to successfully combat this scourge, as it is the way in which consumers can become more aware of the dangers of consuming this type of product. Counterfeits not only seriously damage the economy and employment, but also pose a huge risk to the health of those who consume them. Counterfeit products are not subject to the exhaustive quality controls, manufacturing standards, and subsequent inspections that are essential for any product to be marketed safely. In addition, their manufacture, which circumvents the aforementioned controls, causes considerable damage to the environment, as polluting methods and products are used in their manufacture.

The OEPM, as set out in its Strategic Plan 2025-2027, and specifically in project 1.3.1, is entrusted with the mission of ensuring the protection of industrial property rights through initiatives such as this campaign, which is part of the Annual Institutional Advertising Plan of the General State Administration.

The campaign will therefore be featured in the main national media: television, radio, the internet, the press, and in AVE stations in Spanish cities.

The creative proposal has been designed by the advertising agency Quelinka. The tone of this edition aims to move away from the guilt and drama that has usually been associated with the purchase and consumption of counterfeit products. Instead, it adopts a friendly, visually appealing approach that alludes to everyday experiences in order to connect with the public.

More information

https://stopfalsificaciones.oepm.es/