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Counterfeiting surges past $3 trillion

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 26 May 2005

Global counterfeit and piracy losses in April surged over the trillion-dollar mark for the second time in four months.

Canadian-based Gieschen Consultancy says property theft incidents - including trademark infringement and copyright violations - also peaked at its highest level in the past months, up 22% from January.

In its monthly report based on worldwide counterfeit enforcement activity as reported through the DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence Report, the agency said more than 250 incidents worth over $3 trillion had been reported from 42 countries.

Topping the list in April was the Philippines, with $3 trillion in seizures and losses involving five incidents. SA was 11th on the list with $1.1 million in seizures and losses, also involving five incidents.

Entertainment and software remain among the most popular items to counterfeit, and 54 incidents worth $22.5 million were reported last month. Five incidents worth $2.8 million were reported involving computer equipment and supplies.

Microsoft topped the list of most popular brands to counterfeit last month.

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