IP infringement by way of buying counterfeit goods online and accessing digital content from illegal sources, intentionally or by accident, remain a common practise among youth, says the 2022 edition of the Intellectual Property and Youth Scoreboard.
Released by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the study provides an update on the behaviours of youth towards purchasing fake products and intellectual property infringement. It is based on a survey of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in all 27 member states of the European Union (EU) and highlights the factors driving young people to purchase counterfeit goods or access digital content from illegal sources.
Key drivers behind purchasing fakes and accessing pirated content are mostly the price and availability. Peer and social influence such as the behaviour of family or friends also affect the decisions of European youth, says a report of the study on IP Helpdesk.
The Increasing Dangers of IP Infringement
Counterfeit goods pose a significant threat to consumers’ health and safety and is detrimental to the environment. Pirated wares also have a wide range of negative consequences for global economies, the report finds.
Fact: Young Europeans buy more fake products and continue to access pirated content
- 37% of young people bought one or several fake products intentionally in the last 12 months
- 21% of 15 to 24 year olds say they intentionally use illegal sources of digital content in the last 12 months
- 60% of young Europeans said they prefer to access digital content from legal sources, compared to 50% in 2019
- Price and availability remain the main factors for buying counterfeits and for digital piracy
The EUIPO is based in Spain and among one of the most innovative intellectual property offices globally. The European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights is a network of experts and specialist stakeholders. It was established in 2009, with a mission to fight the increasing danger of IP Infringement in Europe and to protect the rights of online property.
