The European Commission has adopted a Communication outlining a series of practical, non-legislative measures to combat counterfeiting and piracy and to improve the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the European internal market.

The Commission proposes more focused enforcement through greater collaboration between the private sector, national authorities and consumers. Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said that intellectual property rights were amongst the most precious commercial possessions of European businesses.

“Unfortunately, there are always those who will seek to undermine honest intentions. We need to stop this dangerous trend not by more legislation, but by mobilising stronger collaboration helping us to fight back “, he said.

Commission web page on IPR enforcement at ec.europa.eu/internal_market/iprenforcement/index_en.htm