European Union’s Intellectual Property Office Seizes Counterfeit Food and Drink Worth 91 Million Euros
In a major operation, the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has seized counterfeit food and drink products worth 91 million euros across the European Union. The EUIPO reported that the majority of the seized products were wine and spirits, with the operation revealing a significant scale of counterfeiting in the region.
According to the EUIPO, the annual sales losses in the EU due to counterfeiting amount to 2.289 billion euros, resulting in the loss of nearly 5,700 jobs. The counterfeit products often contained hazardous substances such as methanol, mercury and toxic pesticides, posing a threat to consumer health and safety.
The EUIPO manages the registration of EU trademarks since 1994 and of EU designs since 2003, with over 3,600 products bearing a geographical indication registered in the EU, serving as a symbol of authenticity.