Facts and figures

Facts and figures on product piracy

All areas are hit by brand and product piracy. This also includes convenience goods like electronic products, clothing, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Our micro colour-code technology contributes to the quick detection of counterfeits, putting a stop to the plagiarists' game.

The following examples provide a short overview of how and to what extent our lives and jobs are afflicted by counterfeiting.

Facts and figures in brief

• According to an OECD survey, the value of international trade with counterfeit goods until 2007 is estimated at 250 billion US-dollars.
• According to BASCAP, digital piracy and online trade with counterfeit goods can amount to another 200 billion US-dollars.
• In 2009, action was taken in 43,500 cases by customs authorities at EU borders against possible counterfeits.
• With 19, resp. 10 percent, cigarettes and medicines belong to the most frequently seized goods in the EU.
• In 2010, German customs authorities have seized over 2.4 million counterfeit goods. This amounts to 23,713 cases, 146 percent more than 2009.
• The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association estimates the annual trade with counterfeit vehicle parts at 12 billion US-dollars worldwide.
• A survey of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) showed that the annual damage to the German mechanical engineering industry amounts to 6.4 billion Euro.
• German plant engineering is hit hardest with an increase of 15%, counterfeiting of components rises by 8%.
• In only two months, 34 million counterfeit pills were seized in all EU member states.
• Approx. 300,000 jobs are estimated to be lost annually due to brand and product piracy, 50,000 in Germany.