Joint Report From the OECD and the EUIPO: Illicit Trade in Fakes Under COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on several facets of human activity, including illicit trade. Criminal networks have adapted quickly to exploit disrupted supply chains and increased demand for essential goods, creating new opportunities for profit.

Jointly published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) this report examines how the pandemic has reshaped the trade in counterfeit goods. It looks at the multifaceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trade dynamic, particularly in the European Union. Additionally, the report investigates the impact of the pandemic on the trade in counterfeit goods, leveraging insights from both law enforcement and industry expertise, alongside global customs seizure data. It particularly underscores the challenges encountered, the evolving tactics of counterfeiters, and the solutions that have arisen in response to this unparalleled health crisis.