INTA supports joint statement for the inclusion of IP crime as a priority in the EU Commission’s EMPACT 2026–2029 policy cycle

Brussels, Belgium—December 13, 2024—The International Trademark Association (INTA), as part of a coalition of 14 intellectual property (IP) and anticounterfeiting member associations representing more than 2,500 IP rights owners globally, including SMEs and startups across various industry sectors, has issued a joint statement urging the inclusion of IP crime as a priority in the EU Commission’s European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) 2026–2029 policy cycle.

The statement highlights the significant threat posed by counterfeiting and IP crime to economic stability, innovation capacity, and consumer safety within the European Union (EU). Recent studies by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Europol, and the European Commission have revealed substantial economic losses and job reductions in key sectors such as clothing, cosmetics, and toys due to counterfeiting. An EUIPO Observatory study published in January of this year reported nearly EUR 12 billion in annual sales losses in the clothing industry alone, with counterfeit clothing accounting for 5.2 percent of total sales in the EU.

The coalition emphasizes the need for a coordinated and robust approach to tackle IP crime, involving all stakeholders from law enforcement and border protection to rights owners and policymakers. The joint statement underscores the importance of raising awareness about the dangers and impacts of counterfeiting within legislative bodies, the judiciary, industry, and consumers.

“This joint statement by so many member associations underscores the vital importance of working together and communicating on key issues like this. By advocating for IP’s continued inclusion within the EMPACT priorities, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to collaboration and coordination among law enforcement, policymakers, and industry stakeholders,” said INTA’s Director of Anticounterfeiting, Alastair Gray.

“The strength of our efforts lies in our unity, and by joining forces, we can more effectively combat the pervasive threat of counterfeiting and IP crime, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for innovation and commerce within Europe and beyond,” added Gray.

Key points from the joint statement include:

• IP crimes undermine the rights of creators and businesses, support organized crime networks, and lead to broader economic and societal harm.
• Counterfeiting in the EU results in billions of Euros lost in reduced tax revenues, hundreds of thousands of jobs lost each year, and compromised consumer health and safety.
• The inclusion of IP crime as a priority in the EMPACT policy cycle will fortify ongoing efforts to protect consumer health and safety and bolster the EU’s competitive edge in the global market.
• Recent EMPACT results have shown significant success in tackling IP crime, with millions of counterfeit products seized and numerous investigations and arrests conducted.

“Anticounterfeiting is a policy priority for INTA and our members across all industry sectors,” noted INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo. “On behalf of our global membership and in collaboration with all stakeholders, we are continually enhancing our anticounterfeiting strategy and tactics, and our commitment to the European Union and the global fight against IP Crime is unwavering. The inclusion of IP Crime as an EMPACT priority for the next policy cycle would signal to counterfeiters everywhere that Europe is committed to taking decisive action to protect intellectual property rights and uphold the integrity of global markets. This would not only deter counterfeiters but also foster innovation and economic growth by ensuring that legitimate businesses can thrive without the threat of IP crime.”

The coalition calls upon all Member States to ensure that IP crime is retained as a priority for the EU’s next EMPACT cycle, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to protecting its intellectual assets and ensuring a fair and competitive market for all its member states.

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