Coordinated EU Approach would Better Protect Intellectual Property Rights and Fight Piracy and Counterfeiting

Piracy and counterfeiting pose a threat to the EU's economy by undercutting the price of authentic products and making it harder for honest producers to stay in business. Consumers are also at risk as fake products often flout health and safety standards.

That threat has been increasing, with the Internet making it easier to illegally download music, films, software and other easily digitised work. Meanwhile, counterfeiters have expanded their trade from fake luxury goods to more common items such as food stuffs, cosmetics, hygiene products, medicines and spare parts for cars.