The Commission’s second Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List has recently been published.

The document names websites and physical marketplaces outside the EU that are reported to engage in, facilitate or benefit from counterfeiting and piracy. In particular, it focuses on four areas:

1) Websites providing copyright-protected content;
2) E-commerce platforms;
3) Online pharmacies;
4) Physical marketplaces.

The aim of Watch List is to encourage the operators of these marketplaces and of the intermediaries providing services to them, as well as local enforcement authorities and governments to take action to stop or prevent IP infringements. Also, it aims to raise awareness among EU citizens on the environmental, product safety and other risks of purchasing from these markets.

The list reports on the input received during a public consultation, run from 19 February to 1 June 2020, where the Commission invited all stakeholders to share their views.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office, European Anti-Fraud Office and Europol have also contributed to the preparation of the document.

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ECTA Anti-Counterfeiting Committee is strongly involved in fighting against counterfeiting and piracy by sharing of professional experience and best practices. The aim of this Committee is to promote the most adequate legislation and practical enforcement techniques, as well as to raise awareness in this field.

If you are interested and would like to join our Anti-Counterfeiting Committee, do not miss the General Committee Elections starting on 18 January 2021.