One in 10 consumers have been misled into buying counterfeit goods, a major study has revealed.
The research, published by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), suggests that the general public is facing “more risks than ever” due to fake products.
According to the report, the differences between genuine and fake goods are increasingly narrowing, with almost one in 10 (nine per cent) consumers accidentally purchasing one or more counterfeit products in the last year.
The research also found that a third of consumers (33 per cent) are uncertain whether a product they have purchased in the past is fake or not.
It means that counterfeit trade across the single market now accounts for approximately 6.8 per cent (around €121 billion or £103 billion) of EU imports.
And with e-commerce on the rise, there is a particular risk to consumers purchasing pharmaceutical or medical products online, such as antibiotics, painkillers, personal protective equipment and face masks.
Commenting on the findings, Christian Archambeau, Executive Director of the EUIPO, said: “Intellectual property is one of Europe’s most valuable assets, and a key element in our social and economic recovery, especially for small businesses.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put the problem of IP crime under a magnifying lens with the rise of counterfeit medicines and medical products that further threaten the health and safety of citizens.
“This is a long-standing issue, often interlinked with other types of illegal activities, which requires urgent robust, coordinated action and has recently been reinstated as one of the top ten EU priorities in the fight against organised crime.”
The study also reveals a rise in digital piracy, with providers of illegal streaming content costing the EU approximately €1 billion (£850 million) each year.
For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our intellectual property team today.