IP Theft Has
Real Consequences.
Counterfeiting, piracy and other forms of IP infringement can harm businesses, workers and consumers, while undermining innovation and fair competition.
$467 BILLION
was the estimated value of counterfeit and pirated goods traded internationally in 2021.
That represented approximately 2.3% of total global imports.
THE COST GOES BEYOND LOST SALES
01
BUSINESSES
Counterfeit and pirated goods undermine legitimate businesses, brands and fair competition.
02
CONSUMERS
Fake products can be poor quality or unsafe, particularly when they involve medicines, automotive parts, cosmetics, toys or food.
03
ECONOMICS
Illicit trade disrupts legitimate commerce and can undermine economic growth and supply chains.
IP THEFT TAKES MANY FORMS
COUNTERFEITING
Fake goods that imitate legitimate products or brands.
TRADE SECRET THEFT
Unauthorized acquisition or disclosure of confidential business information.
PIRACY
Unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted works.
IP INFRINGEMENT
Unauthorized use of protected intellectual property can lead to costly disputes and enforcement actions.
Source: USPTO 2024
79%
of customs seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods in 2020–21 involved shipments containing fewer than 10 items.
The growth of e-commerce and small-parcel shipping has made it easier for counterfeit goods to move through international trade and more difficult for authorities to detect and intercept them.
