Frequently asked questions
On this page:
- What is Intellectual Property?
- What is IP crime?
- Why is IP important?
- What items are counterfeited?
- Can counterfeit goods be dangerous?
- How do I spot a fake?
- Is IP crime a big problem in Australia?
- What is the AFP doing about Intellectual Property crime?
- How do I report IP crime?
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property (IP) is the product of a creator’s mind, such as inventions, designs, logos, original literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work, processes and even breeds of plants. Often, IP is intangible – you cannot see or touch it – but it can be protected by trade marking, patents and copyright.
What is IP crime?
IP crime is committed when someone who has no right to use a particular brand, logo, design, music or creative work, for example, does so illegally. This is also known as counterfeiting.
Why is IP important?
IP regulations protect innovations so the rightful owner can earn income from their creation. It keeps standards high for consumers and ensures public health and safety is secure.
What items are counterfeited?
Every item that carries a brand is likely to be counterfeited at some time. This applies to medicines and personal care products, household items, designer clothing and accessories, music and film, car parts and even food.
Can counterfeit goods be dangerous?
Counterfeit goods are manufactured with no regard for public safety and they can be very dangerous. In the case of fake medicines, personal care products and food items, they contain unknown chemicals and in all likelihood have been produced in unsanitary conditions which would pose a direct threat to your health. Hardware items, automotive parts, batteries and electrical goods contain sub-standard components and are not produced to manufacturers’ specifications which could cause equipment failure, accidents, explosions, fires and other damage.
How do I spot a fake?
Counterfeit goods are produced cheaply to be sold cheaply. They are usually much cheaper than the genuine article, of sub-standard quality and often with packaging that doesn’t look quite right. Counterfeit goods are most likely to be sold at unconventional outlets such as markets, on-line and directly through individuals not usually associated with retail.
Is IP crime a big problem in Australia?
IP crime is a massive problem around the world, causing countless deaths and injuries and costing the global economy upwards of US$200 billion a year. So far, Australia’s retail environment has been very fortunate to not be swamped by fakes but the counterfeit goods trade could gain a foothold here if we are not vigilant.
What is the AFP doing about IP crime?
The Australian Government has recognised the impact of IP crime on the Australian people and has funded the AFP to respond effectively to emerging IP crime issues and support the significant copyright legislative reforms made by the Government.
The AFP is committed to building partnerships with Industry and other law enforcement agencies to combat IP crime. It is also building an intelligence framework to identify convergences and possible links to organised crime.
In addition to its law enforcement strategies, the AFP is working to raise awareness of IP crime so that Australians can recognise and reject counterfeit goods and report IP crime.
How do I report IP crime?
To report IP crime, ring Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or you local state or territory police. If you have discovered a brand imitation, support legitimate industry by contacting the brand owner.