The ongoing battle against counterfeit products in the Philippines has reached new heights, with recent operations in August by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seizing up to P5.5 million worth of fake goods across Metro Manila and Rizal.
As the country grapples with a growing flood of counterfeit items—ranging from luxury brands to essential goods—the launch of a new non-profit organization, Brand Verification, couldn't be more timely.
Brand Verification, established by a coalition of brand owners, manufacturers, and legal experts, aims to protect both consumers and legitimate businesses from the dangers of counterfeit products. The organization's launch comes on the heels of record-breaking seizures in 2023, where over ₱26 billion worth of counterfeit goods were confiscated nationwide.
Many of these counterfeit items, often sold on online platforms, pose serious health and safety risks, from substandard beauty products that cause skin damage to fake medicines that jeopardize lives. Brand owners, frustrated by the proliferation of fake versions of their products, decided to act — leading to the creation of Brand Verification.
“We came together because counterfeiters were affecting almost every product we made,” said a spokesperson for Brand Verification. “Our goal is simple: to protect consumers and ensure that they are purchasing legitimate, safe products.”
Brand Verification: How It Works
Brand Verification has developed a sophisticated, multi-layered system to verify product authenticity. Genuine items will now feature a special sticker with a unique serial number, allowing consumers to check the product’s legitimacy through a secure online portal. This system empowers buyers to instantly know whether the item in their hands is authentic or fake.
Beyond product authentication, Brand Verification also employs a dedicated team of investigators who monitor physical and online marketplaces. The team’s mission is to identify and expose fraudulent sellers, from illegal distributors to counterfeit syndicates operating behind seemingly legitimate storefronts.
"Consumers deserve to know they’re getting the real deal, and we’re here to make sure of that. At the same time, we’re actively tracking down the criminals behind these fake products and taking legal action to stop them," the spokesperson added.
The team behind Brand Verification is comprises of highly specialized professionals, including former law enforcement officers as well as regulatory inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Additionally, the group has a roster of licensed pharmacists, chemists, legal experts, and more than 3,000 micro-influencers to support their public outreach and investigative efforts. Each member brings a wealth of experience, making Brand Verification a formidable force against counterfeiters.
Prior to its public launch, Brand Verification spent four years meticulously building and refining its operations. During this period, they collaborated with key government agencies and industry experts to ensure their system was effective and robust.
A Nationwide Call to Action
Brand Verification is calling on all manufacturers, brand owners, and even consumers to join their cause. With support from various government agencies and private organizations, they are building a formidable front against the counterfeit crisis that continues to threaten the safety and economic stability of the Philippines.
The proliferation of counterfeit goods not only affects the bottom line of businesses but also endangers the health, safety, and trust of consumers. Brand Verification is committed to creating a marketplace where authenticity prevails, giving buyers peace of mind and helping legitimate businesses thrive.
“Our vision is a world where consumers never have to worry about whether a product is real or fake. We are determined to protect the integrity of the marketplace and the safety of consumers,” the spokesperson concluded, “because in the end, trust is the true currency of any thriving economy.
For those who suspect they have encountered counterfeit products, Brand Verification encourages reports to be sent to their official email: [email protected] or [email protected].