Gov’t reports 19% drop in value of confiscated fake goods

MANILA, Philippines - The value of fake goods seized by the government declined by 19 percent in January from a year ago, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Data from the IPOPHL showed the estimated value of counterfeit goods confiscated by the government reached P714.52 million in January from P880.92 million in the same month last year.

By agency, the National Bureau of Investigation had the biggest haul with P362.48 million, a big jump from the P15.80 million a year ago.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) came in second with its seized goods valued at P316.20 million in January or down 54.83 percent from the previous year.

The Optical Media Board’s seized items which were valued at P35.84 million, also dropped by 78.25 percent from last year.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) meanwhile had no seized goods for January.

In January of last year, counterfeit items confiscated by the PNP amounted to P341,200.

Sought for comment, IPOPHL deputy director general Allan Gepty said in a telephone interview a decline was seen in January as goods seized last year were of higher value.

“It really depends on the operations for the period and the nature of the products,” he said.

IPOPHL director general Ricardo Blancaflor said in a text message the difference is negligible.

“(What is) important is that the vigilant actions are maintained and sustained,” he said.

He said earlier the proposed amendments to the IP Code which includes the grant of visitorial powers to the IPOPHL, are expected to allow the government to see higher counterfeit seizures and to better protect IP rights.

The proposed amendments to the IP Code are now with the Office of the President.

Last year, the value of counterfeit or pirated items seized by the government reached P5.21 billion, down 38 percent from 2011’s record-high of P8.38 billion.