This study develops and applies a rigorous methodology to estimate the incidence of counterfeit and pirated items in world trade. This methodology can be used in the future to refine the assessment as the quality and quantity of data improve. The study also provides an analysis of the market for counterfeit and pirated goods and the effects on various affected parties, ranging from the owners of the intellectual property rights, to consumers and governments. The study also provides a number of in-depth snapshots of different industry sectors, highlighting how those sectors are affected by counterfeiting and piracy, and how they are responding.
Governments and industry have been active in combating counterfeiting and piracy on a number of fronts, both independently and, equally importantly, with each other. In addition to efforts undertaken in a national context, governments have been working through multilateral institutions and on a bilateral and regional basis to address issues. Industry has also been active, nationally and internationally, both on a sectoral and crosssectoral basis. This chapter provides an overview and assessment of the initiatives that have been taken, and Annex 7.A2 presents the situation in 15 different economies, in greater detail.