IP/09/497

Brussels, 30 March 2009

Internal Market: Commission launches European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy

On 2 April 2009 at the second High Level Conference on Counterfeiting and Piracy, Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, together with Members of the European Parliament, will launch a European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy. By enhancing cooperation across the EU, the Observatory will be at the forefront in the fight against fake goods or illegal downloading and other infringements of intellectual property rights. A wide range of stakeholders representing business, public administrations, enforcement and civil society are expected to attend the event.

Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said: "Last year we met to discuss measures needed for the fight against fake goods. This year we are delivering concrete solutions. I am confident that the Observatory, alongside other initiatives we have launched, will significantly help us to step up the fight against intellectual property theft".

The launch of the European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy answers the urgent need for a better targeted and more focused enforcement of intellectual property rights. It will be a platform that is to collect data, raise awareness, facilitate dialogue, exchange views and share best practices in enforcing intellectual property rights between business and national authorities.

The Conference starts at 8.30 in the Concert Noble, Rue d'Arlon 82, Brussels.

The conference programme and more information on the fight against counterfeiting and piracy are available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/iprenforcement

Background

Counterfeiting and piracy, or the infringement of intellectual property rights such as copyright, trade marks, designs or patents, is becoming an alarming problem for our economy and society. Counterfeiting and piracy have devastating effects on the economy, including job creation and the health and safety of the citizens. A 2005 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimated that global trade in fake goods represented 200 billion USD.^[1]

^[1] OECD, Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Piracy (http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/13/12/38707619.pdf)