Counterfeiting and piracy is a growing global problem with the latest OECD reporton trade in counterfeit and pirated goods indicating that trade of fake goods has increased by over 80% in a five-year period, representing now more than 2.5% of all world trade.

Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP), an ICC initiative, runs a consumer education and awareness programme to help show that “fakes cost more” not less, despite the lower shelf price of some counterfeits.

Trade of fake goods has increased by over 80% in a five-year period, representing now more than 2.5% of all world trade.

Fakes Cost More because:

• They can carry significant health and safety risks, even endangering lives in the case of counterfeit medicines, auto and airplane parts, as well as many other types of products;
• Workers for legitimate manufacturers lose their jobs to counterfeit producers;
• Pirated software, music and movies can cause computers to crash or be attacked;
• The money from the sale of counterfeits goes to organized criminal networks through which it is used to fund other illegal activities;
• Governments are deprived of tax revenues and incur increased costs for enforcement and other activities.

I buy real

The campaign’s website, www.ibuyreal.org , gives consumers more information about the costs of buying fake goods and what every individual can do to stop this growing problem. Consumers can also learn how to spot fakes and report intellectual property theft.

“Consumers do not recognize the risks and costs of buying fakes, but quickly agree that they do not want to buy anything that will endanger them or their families, or increase funding for organized criminals. We asked consumers what message might help them understand the problem better, and “Fakes Cost More/I Buy Real” was the clear winner around the world,” said BASCAP Director Jeffrey Hardy.