Thinking of selling a counterfeit? Think again!
Counterfeiting is a criminal activity. Selling counterfeit goods also helps finance organised crime and trafficking of all kinds.
When you sell counterfeit products:
- you steal expertise and know-how
- you support and finance organised crime
- you support undeclared and child labour
- you jeopardise health and safety
- you destroy jobs and stifle growth
- and, above all, you expose yourself to criminal penalties
Selling counterfeits means stealing know-how
Watchmakers have perfected their expertise over thousands of hours of work to create unique pieces of impeccable quality. Intellectual property protection has both a moral basis (creations must be recognised and protected) and an economic one (investment and risk-taking must be rewarded). Intellectual property is therefore a factor in development and progress.
Selling counterfeits supports and finances organised crime
The evidence is clear: counterfeit goods are sold through the same channels and by the same criminals. Counterfeiting often relies on the same infrastructure and transport networks as other illegal activities, such as drug and arms trafficking, smuggling and prostitution.
Selling counterfeits supports undeclared and child labour
People exploited in the manufacture of counterfeit goods, including many children, work in extremely difficult conditions, receive meagre wages and, of course, have no legal, social or medical protection.
Selling counterfeits endangers consumers' health and safety
The risk is very real when it comes to counterfeit medicines, cosmetics, foodstuffs, toys and car or aircraft parts. Counterfeit watches also pose a risk, since they do not comply with quality or safety standards and may contain allergenic or harmful materials.
Selling counterfeits destroys jobs and stifles growth
This form of crime contributes to the loss of more than 200,000 jobs worldwide each year, including 100,000 in Europe. For governments, this means lost tax revenue and therefore public money that cannot be reinvested for the benefit of citizens.
Selling counterfeits exposes you to criminal penalties
Most countries already treat mere possession of counterfeit goods as an offence. Legitimate holders of intellectual property rights may also seek damages. Customs authorities are empowered to seize and destroy illegal goods and impose substantial fines.