Intellectual property crime (counterfeiting)

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) is created when an idea takes some tangible form. It can be a brand, invention, design or other kind of creation and it can be legally owned.

Counterfeiting or copying someone else's intellectual property is a crime. IP crime is a serious global issue and has spread from small industries producing poor quality counterfeit fashion accessories to massive manufacturing plans that can produce cheap copies of everything from electrical appliances to medicines.  These cheap copies can often be very dangerous.

Nearly a quarter of all small and medium-sized enterprises have been affected by counterfeiting. Many businesses rely on goods received through supply chains, often from many different suppliers, and are therefore at risk from counterfeiting and piracy. 

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has produced a Supply Chain Toolkit that includes a step by step approach on what action to take if counterfeits are found in the supply chain. 

Visit the IPO website to find out more about IP crime and what you can do to protect your business.