The danger of counterfeits bought on the Internet and delivered by post is frequently highlighted, but a new study has shown that container loads of high-value fakes shipped by sea continue to play a major role in this illegal global trade.
COVID-19 has brought volatility to the markets, changed trade routes and reshaped priorities, putting increased attention on the problem of counterfeiting, with fake personal protection equipment (PPE), medicine and now counterfeit vaccines.
A joint study, by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) finds that maritime transport is a major channel for high-value counterfeits, with China the main source of fake goods seized on container ships.