Uncovering the ecosystem of intellectual property crime

Intellectual property (IP) crime involves the theft, infringement, and unauthorised use of IP such as copyrights, designs, trademarks, patents, and geographical indications of origin, and crimes related to trade secrets. It includes counterfeiting—producing goods falsely bearing genuine trademarks—and piracy, the illegal distribution of protected materials. IP crime threatens the EU’s internal security, affecting not only the economy but also consumer health, safety, and the natural environment.

This report (a joint EUIPO-Europol strategic analysis report produced under EMPACT) details the criminal processes behind IP crime, examining factors enabling it and its connection to other organised crime. It also highlights the harmful effects on EU businesses and consumers.