The government’s seizure of counterfeit goods in 2025 declined by 27 percent to nearly ₱30 billion compared to the previous year despite higher enforcement activity, according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Based on IPOPHL’s submission to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the 2026 Special 301 Review, seen by Manila Bulletin, agencies comprising the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR) seized ₱29.54 billion worth of counterfeit products last year, down from the record-high ₱40.99 billion in 2024.

Within NCIPR, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) accounted for the bulk, or nearly 90 percent of the total, with confiscated goods reaching ₱26.38 billion. This, however, represents a 24-percent decline from the ₱34.7 billion worth of seized goods in the previous year.

This was followed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), with seizures amounting to ₱2.6 billion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), with ₱563.12 million.

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized ₱5.77 million worth of counterfeit drugs and health-related products.

Despite the decline in the value of last year’s haul, IPOPHL said this does not indicate reduced enforcement activity.

The country’s anti-piracy body said NCIPR conducted a total of 4,422 operations in 2025, significantly higher than the 1,650 operations in 2024.

“The lower aggregate value reflects a shift toward more targeted and strategic enforcement, concentrating on high-priority areas and identified sources of counterfeit goods rather than fewer, high-value seizures,” IPOPHL said.

It added that the growing popularity of online transactions also contributed to the lower value.

IPOPHL earlier said that apparel and bags were among the most infringed goods during the year.

Under Section 155 of the IP Code, infringement is defined as the use, reproduction, or imitation of a registered trademark or its dominant feature, whether in commerce or advertising, without the owner’s consent.

The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), the regulatory and enforcement arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recorded 276 consumer complaints involving fake products last year, compared to 210 cases in 2024.

IPOPHL said this represents an upward trend in the piracy of consumer goods, which not only undermines IP rights holders and legitimate businesses but also exposes consumers to serious health and safety risks.

Within the legal framework, the Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted 563 investigations of IP rights cases last year, with a 97 percent disposition rate.

Broken down, a total of 21 cases resulted in convictions, 16 were amicably settled, while 103 were dismissed for various reasons.

While law enforcement agencies have upped the ante in filing cases for the criminal prosecution of IP violations, IPOPHL said the lack of complainant follow-through remains a major hurdle in the application of the full judicial process.

Despite this, the agency said there are encouraging developments in criminal prosecution as rights holders enhance collaboration with law enforcement agencies, alongside enhanced training and capacity-building initiatives for prosecutors and judges handling IP-related offenses.

“Sustained efforts to bolster investigative capabilities, streamline procedures, and enhance judicial expertise will be essential to building on these gains and ensuring a more consistent and effective approach to combating IP violations,” it said.