MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the adoption of an action plan to combat counterfeiting in the EU
14.12.2016
Aldo Patriciello
B8-0025/2017
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the adoption of an action plan to combat counterfeiting in the EU
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003,
– having regard to Directive 2004/48/EC on the enforcement of intellectual property rights,
– having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the protection of international property rights (IPR) is a vital condition for the innovation, competitiveness and growth of the European economy (Europe 2020 strategy);
B. whereas IPR-intensive industries account for more than a quarter of all jobs and more than a third of GDP in the EU. (2015 Situation Report on Counterfeiting in the European Union, Europol - OHIM, 2015);
C. whereas, according to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the illegal counterfeiting business currently focuses on everyday items such as washing machine detergent, bottles of shampoo, razor blades and electric toothbrushes;
D. whereas, despite the worrying spread of counterfeiting linked to organised crime, and the harm caused to businesses and consumers, we still do not have a full picture of its criminal dimension in the EU;
1. Calls on the Commission to draw up an action plan to combat counterfeiting.