MANILA — In a significant crackdown on intellectual property violations, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) announced on Tuesday that the value of counterfeit goods seized this year soared to PHP35.2 billion, setting a new record for the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the latest figures were disclosed during the 2024 National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) High-Level meeting at the Admiral Hotel in Manila. This year’s tally from January to September has already surpassed the total seizures of PHP26.89 billion recorded in 2023. IPOPHL Director General and NCIPR Acting Chair Rowel Barba highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “The success of our coordinated enforcement strategies sends a clear message: we stand firm against intellectual property violations. Dismantling counterfeiting networks is not merely regulatory, it’s foundational in spurring economic growth and upholding the values of fairness that we hold as a people.”
The IPOPHL revealed that 99 percent of the seized goods this year were the result of the Bureau of Customs’ operations, with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation seizing PHP25.36 million and PHP14.5 million worth of goods, respectively. Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan, Supervising Director of IPOPHL’s IP Rights Enforcement Office, commented on the efforts, noting, “The BOC and the rest of the NCIPR have been relentless in rooting out counterfeits in both online markets and storefronts.”
Pangilinan-Canlapan also addressed concerns that the high value of seizures might suggest a rampant counterfeit trade, clarifying that it instead “reflects our dedication to transparency and the effectiveness of our efforts to turn the tides against counterfeit trade.” IPOPHL estimates that the total value of counterfeit goods could reach as high as PHP40 billion by the end of the year.
Barba also emphasized the Philippines’ role as a leader in intellectual property enforcement within the ASEAN region and globally. He noted the ongoing support from international entities such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom, which assist in the country’s efforts through capacity building and other programs aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities.
Additionally, IPOPHL Deputy Director General Nathaniel Arevalo linked counterfeiting and piracy to financing activities of organized crime groups, describing the trade in illegal goods as “a transnational crime often run by complex criminal networks.” Arevalo stressed, “Failing to deter illicit goods such as IP infringing goods from the market further emboldens these criminal groups to expand their operations and harm more people and brands.” He reaffirmed IPOPHL’s commitment to strengthening efforts at the NCIPR, intensifying cooperation internally and with external partners, and improving the country’s global reputation as an enabler of creativity, innovation, and legitimate businesses.