German Anti-Counterfeiting Association

Welcome to APM

Network
Exchange of experience
Sensitization

You too can enjoy the benefits of membership

03.03.2026: USTR Releases the Notorious Markets Report

The United States Trade Representative has published the "2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy." more

29.01.2026: New study on the importance of IP-intensive industries for the European economy

During the period studied, IPR-intensive industries accounted for nearly 50 percent of economic output in the EU and created almost one-third of all jobs. more

25.11.2025: APM PRESS RELEASE

High risks from counterfeit goods on Black Friday. more

01.10.2025: EU IP Enforcement Statistics

EU Commission and EUIPO publish statistics on the enforcement of intellectual property rights at the EU's external borders and in the internal market for the year 2024. more / APM press release

April 23rd 2026

"The Strategic Importance of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia in the Fight Against Piracy in Latin America and the Caribbean"

April 22nd 2026

"Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU)"

March 25th 2026

"Pinduoduo Intellectual Property Protection Measures Sharing Session“

Catching
counterfeits

Most counterfeit items are found in postal traffic. Most of the consignments originate from online trading.

(Source: German customs statistics)

In %

Consequences of product and brand piracy

Loss of sales
Damage to the brand
Unjustified warranty claims / claims for damages
Job losses
Lost tax revenue
Risks for consumers
Staatl. and private costs for combating product piracy

Damage in the millions

The value of counterfeits confiscated in Germany amounts to several hundred million euros every year.

(Source: German customs statistics)

Product piracy has many faces – Health risks, quality defects, disappointed expectations.

"Product piracy is life-threatening when spare parts for cars or airplanes are counterfeited. Product piracy destroys jobs when companies lose their sales markets. Quality and value work deserve our protection. To this end, the Action Circle makes its meaningful contribution."

"The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) works in the interest of its customers through numerous cooperations worldwide to ensure that the value of intellectual property is appreciated and innovations are effectively protected. The APM pursues the same goals with crowd-pleasing and demonstrative activities that complement our actions well."

"We must preserve and protect prosperity and well-paying, secure jobs. Product and brand piracy pose a threat to the future of work."