COUNTERFEITING AND PIRACY: What we know and what could be done

Main elements of the report

• Analyses the structure of the markets for counterfeit and pirated products; the analysis highlights the importance of distinguishing those consumers who knowingly purchase counterfeit or pirated products, from those who are deceived;
• Assesses the scope of products being counterfeited and pirated;
• Examines the principal factors driving production and consumption;
• Estimates the potential magnitude of counterfeited and pirated goods in international trade, based on a new econometric model;
• Establishes and applies a 17-point framework for assessing the effects of counterfeiting and piracy economy-wide, as well as on rights’ holders, consumers and governments;
• Presents a framework  for assessing the effectiveness of the policies and related initiatives being pursued to combat counterfeiting and piracy;
• Describes and evaluates the main national and international initiatives being taken by governments and business to combat counterfeiting and piracy; 
• Examines in detail the situation in the audio-visual, automotive, electrical components, food and drink, pharmaceutical and tobacco sectors;
• Outlines ways that information and analysis on counterfeiting and piracy could be strengthened; and
• Suggests areas where policies and practices to combat counterfeiting and piracy could be strengthened.

The full report was published in 2008 and is available at www.oecd.org/sti/counterfeiting