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Trade
ConsultationClosed

Public consultation on the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List

The European Commission services request written contributions from stakeholders identifying marketplaces and service providers that may fulfil the criteria to be included in the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List for 2022.

Details

Status
Closed
Opening date
Deadline
Department
Directorate-General for Trade
Trade topics
Intellectual property

Target audience

All stakeholders

Why we are consulting

The European Commission is launching a public consultation which aims at identifying online service providers and physical marketplaces located outside the European Union that are reported to engage in, facilitate or benefit from substantial IPR infringements, and in particular piracy and counterfeiting.

The European Commission services request written contributions from stakeholders identifying marketplaces and service providers that may fulfil the criteria to be included in the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List for 2022. Online marketplaces or service providers are encouraged to report on the measures they have taken to avoid or reduce IPR infringements by third parties on their services. Marketplace operators and service providers appearing in the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List of 2020 are also invited to submit written contributions in which they present the actions they have taken to address IP infringements on their platforms or while providing their services.

After publication and thorough verification of the information received, the European Commission services intends to publish a new version of update of its so-called 'Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List' towards the end of 2022.

This list will identify and describe the reportedly most problematic marketplaces and service providers in order to encourage their operators and owners, as well as the responsible local authorities and governments, to take the necessary actions and measures to reduce the availability of IPR infringing goods or services.

The Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List is not an exhaustive list of the reported marketplaces and service providers and does not purport to make findings of legal violations. Neither does it provide the European Commission services’ analysis of the state of protection and enforcement of IPR in the country or countries concerned.

Background

Infringements of intellectual property rights (IPR), and in particular commercial-scale counterfeiting and piracy, cause significant economic losses for rightholders and legitimate businesses as well as to those whose employment depends on such businesses. These infringements undermine the European Union's comparative advantages in innovation and creativity to the detriment of EU citizens and pose significant risks to consumer health and safety as well as to the environment. Besides, IPR infringements, and in particular counterfeiting and piracy also seriously harm European business trading outside the European Union.

Respond to the consultation

The response period for this consultation has ended. Thank you for your input.

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