TikTok has launched TikTok Real, a new intellectual property protection program for its in-house online marketplace, TikTok Shop, designed to improve engagement with brands and rights holders. At its core is a new brand verification module within the IP Protection Center; in addition, reporting channels have reportedly been streamlined and proactive detection of suspicious listings expanded. According to a TikTok announcement in early May, approximately 100 brands are currently participating. TikTok Real follows in the footsteps of anti-counterfeiting initiatives by other online marketplaces: For example, Amazon is investing in its own brand protection programs and counting on AI, while smaller marketplaces sometimes offer fewer options for brand owners. The discussion surrounding online marketplaces is also heavily fueled by the belief that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to a boom in counterfeits.
UK: Major raid against livestream counterfeiters on TikTok Shop
During a raid on a warehouse in Rotherham in Northern England, officers of the British Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) seized counterfeit and stolen goods with a total value of more than 2 million pounds (approx. 2.3 million euros) and detained a total of six individuals in early April. The suspects are alleged to have sold counterfeit goods via TikTok Shop livestreams, supported by a commission model for involved influencers. The nearly 27,000 counterfeit items seized alone, with an estimated value of around 1.16 million pounds (approx. 1.4 million euros), filled four 18-tonne trucks. “This investigation shows how the sale of counterfeit goods has evolved, moving from traditional market stalls to modern apps and online marketplaces,” said Detective Sergeant Jamie Kirk of the PIPCU.
OLAF: Trafficking route for hundreds of thousands of fake condoms uncovered
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has uncovered a cross-border trafficking route for counterfeit condoms, used for the distribution of more than 200,000 fake products bearing the name and logo of a well-known brand, as the agency disclosed in early July. By analyzing own data, open-source intelligence, and findings from seizures in Romania, Serbia, and Spain, OLAF, in cooperation with Chinese authorities, identified the exporter of the counterfeit goods in China. The counterfeit condoms were falsely declared as toys and did not meet EU health and safety standards.
UK: Research project on environmental impact of counterfeit football shirts
The University of Portsmouth launched a research project in collaboration with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) to compare the environmental impacts of counterfeit and genuine soccer jerseys. The project will also focus on the impact of counterfeits on microplastic pollution and the textile waste issue, which the researchers believe has often been overlooked, according to project leader Dr. Kate Whitman. Similar environmental concerns had already sparked criticism of fast-fashion platforms such as Shein. The findings of the new research project will be featured in an IPO report and a scientific publication.
Europol: 138 raids in operation against counterfeit drug network
In an operation supported by Europol, officials raided a total of 138 locations in Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Moldova in mid-May and detained at least nine suspects. According to Europol, the alleged counterfeiting network is believed to have produced illegal and counterfeit medicines and unapproved dietary supplements for nearly two decades and distributed them to people suffering from diseases such as diabetes or cancer through deceptive advertising. The counterfeiters are reportedly responsible for at least 240 million euros in illicit transactions.
