There was a noticeable increase in counterfeiting since the start of the so-called “ber” months this year, relative to the previous months, based on the reports gathered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Using data from September 1 to September 28, 2023 alone, it showed 21 reports concerning counterfeit goods. The number of which is regarded as relatively higher compared to the average monthly reports of just 13 from January to August.

During the first seven months of the year, the government has confiscated P22.5 billion worth of fake goods, which is more than twice the worth of requisitioned pirated items from 2022. Last year only saw Php9.5 billion in accumulated worth.

IPOPHL Assistant Secretary Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan, during a conference, said that the rise in counterfeit items typically rises just before Christmas. That is, hypothesizing that it happens before the prices of said items increase as the annual occasion nears.

Citing the illegality, Pangilinan-Canlapan said that those who supply inauthentic goods do not pay proper taxes. Thus, it is considered a loss, prompting them to keep a closer look at the market every Christmas time and spread awareness on the topic.

But while the act of selling counterfeit items borders illicitness in the country, consumers are not penalized for buying fake goods.

Per Pangilinan-Canlapan, there is nothing in the provision of the IP code that mandates a sanction against those who purchase inauthentic products. Meanwhile, she highlighted that producers, manufacturers, and sellers of such products are not free from the legal punishment of the IP code.

However, she said that they are looking to amend the IP code in such a way that landlords or mall owners will also be held liable for the selling of fake items.

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