Counterfeit, piracy and other IPR violations


A serious problem for everyone Infringements of intellectual property rights are a widespread and worrying phenomenon calling for engagement from all sides.	The role of customs As the supervisor of trade flows of goods entering the EU market, customs play a key role in enforcing intellectual property rights.	Legislation The EU has put in place a strong legal framework for the enforcement of intellectual property rights at the external border.

EU Customs Action Plan The customs authorities of the EU Member States are in the front line in preventing IPR infringing goods from entering the EU market.	International cooperation International cooperation is an essential component of the EU's strategy for the effective enforcement of intellectual property rights.	Defend your rights Customs action on IPR infringement depends on right-holders lodging an application for action.

Facts and figures Every year, the European Commission publishes a report on the detentions by customs of articles suspected of infringing intellectual property rights.