WTR Releases Latest Anti-Counterfeiting and Brand Enforcement Guide

Now in its 17th year, the World Trademark Review (WTR) report ‘Anti- Counterfeiting and Online Brand Enforcement Global Guide’ combines strategic analysis with country-by-country brand protection practices.

Global statistics

While there were no latest figures on counterfeiting trends in the report, it highlights some key, albeit wideranging statistics.

The first is from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which estimates that counterfeit goods account for around 2.5% of global trade, equivalent to approximately $500 billion.

The second is from the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security, which says that illicit trade estimates derived from official economic statistics and national accounting practices amount to €1.96 trillion annually – equal to almost 3% of global GDP.

However, trade councils, business associations, and think tanks quantify the annual size at between $650 billion and nearly $3 trillion.

Whatever the exact figure is, it’s a lot!

Online counterfeiting trends

The report emphasises the growing role of e-commerce in helping counterfeiters reach a broader audience, making enforcement more difficult for brand owners.