To mark Black Friday 2025, the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the Center for International Intellectual Property Studies (CEIPI), and Bayard Presse are publishing a special issue of the online magazine Phosphore, entitled "The True Price of Counterfeits – An Investigation into Counterfeiting." Aimed at teenagers, this educational resource seeks to strengthen their understanding of the issues surrounding counterfeiting and raise their awareness of the associated risks.
A project based on the results of a national survey
In 2023, the INPI and the Union of Manufacturers (UNIFAB) conducted a national survey allowing for the analysis of consumer perceptions and behaviors regarding counterfeiting. The main findings are as follows:
- 40% French consumers have already purchased a counterfeit product.
- 34% They claim to have purchased a counterfeit product, believing they were buying an authentic one.
- 20% 15-18 year olds primarily consume counterfeit sporting goods.
- 48% 15-18 year olds believe there is no difference between a fake product and an authentic one.
These results highlight the need for strengthened awareness campaigns, particularly among young people, who are especially vulnerable.
A partnership in service of education
The findings of the investigation made it possible to identify and develop themes related to counterfeiting, particularly in the field of education.
It is with this in mind that the INPI and CEIPI, in partnership with Bayard Jeunesse, have created an e-magazine entirely dedicated to the challenges of counterfeiting. This special issue offers:
- an accessible explanation of what counterfeiting is,
- a reminder of the economic, social and health risks associated with buying counterfeit products,
- highlighting the distribution channels leading to young consumers,
- practical advice to avoid becoming a target.
The goal is to enable teenagers to identify the dangers associated with counterfeit products and to understand their impact on society.
An action supported by the France Anti Counterfeiting program
The creation of this e-magazine is part of the plan France Anti Counterfeiting led by the INPI. Launched in 2022 in collaboration with CEIPI, the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME), the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI), the Federation of Mechanical Industries (FIM), the Union of Manufacturers (UNIFAB) and the Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), this system pursues three priority objectives:
- Bring together the actors in the fight against counterfeiting in order to share analyses and needs.
- Leveraging data to better characterize the nature and impact of counterfeiting in France.
- To propose new tools in order to strengthen the effectiveness of actors mobilized against counterfeiting.
It is within this context thatan educational video, which delves into the heart of the Museum of Counterfeiting founded by UNIFAB), was recently produced and broadcast.
The work of the device also feeds into the activities of the National Anti-Counterfeiting Committee (CNAC), whose general secretariat is provided by the INPI.