The European Commission proposed on July 12, 2005 a series of new measures to combat infringements of intellectual property rights (IPRs), counterfeiting, and piracy, which included higher fines and up to four years of prison time.
According to a press release by the European Union, the European Commission said that the proposed measures were intended to align national criminal law and improve European cooperation so as to deal effectively with counterfeiting and piracy activities which are often carried out by criminal organizations.
Under the proposed directive, all intentional infringements of IPRs on a commercial scale, and the attempting, aiding or abetting, and inciting against such infringements are to be treated as criminal offences. Those convicted would be sentenced to at least four years’ imprisonment if the offence involves an organized crime, or if it jeopardizes public health and safety. Fines imposed would be between €100,000 and €300,000. The proposal also allows member states to apply tougher penalties.
The Commission hopes that this clear political signal reflecting the determination to combat piracy and counterfeiting will be supported by concerted, long-term information campaigns by national and regional authorities and other interested parties to raise awareness, not only among key players in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy but also amongst the wider public as a whole.