The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) said authorities seized counterfeit products valued at P40.99 billion in 2024, a 52-percent increase over P26.99 billion confiscated in 2023.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) accounted for the largest share of the haul at P34.7 billion. In July 2024, the BOC raided Binondo, resulting in the confiscation of P11 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods and another P7 billion when it raided Divisoria in November 2024.
Following the BOC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized counterfeit goods worth P3.42 billion and P2.83 billion, respectively.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also made a significant contribution, confiscating counterfeit drugs and health-related products valued at P30.20 million.
Under Section 155 of the Intellectual Property Code, the unauthorized use, reproduction or imitation of a registered trademark or its dominant features—whether in commerce or advertising—is considered trademark infringement if it leads to confusion or deception among consumers.
IPOPHL director-general Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz lauded the proactive efforts of the NCIPR members, emphasizing the strategic raids that stopped counterfeit products from reaching markets and households.
“Counterfeit products harm the economy by undermining legitimate businesses and eroding market trust. They also put consumers at risk by bypassing regulatory standards,” she said.
IPOPHL deputy director-general for policy, legal affairs and external relations Nathaniel Arevalo said the NCIPR would remain vigilant in protecting intellectual property rights and consumers.
“We will continue to safeguard our borders, warehouses, and markets from counterfeit operations,” Arevalo said.
IPOPHL urged consumers to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods, emphasizing the hidden risks behind seemingly affordable prices.