The value of the counterfeit/pirated goods seized last year by the competent bodies was almost three times higher than a year before and amounted to 3.6 million lei. The value of fines for counterfeiting rose almost six times to 357,500 lei. The figures were made public by the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), which on June 23 presented the report on the observance of the intellectual property rights in Moldova for 2013, IPN reports.

AGEPI director Lilia Bolocan told a news conference that the reasons for piracy and forging are multiple and include making of enormous profits, involvement of the organized crime and corruption. The punishments are rather mild and the persons prefer to pay a small fine so as to be able to develop illegal activities further.

By the categories of confiscated forged goods, 35% were mobile hones, 31% were audio accessories, 10% were cosmetic products, perfumery and others. The states from where counterfeit products are imported remained the same - Ukraine, China, and Turkey - plus two new countries – the United Arab Emirates and Poland.

Last year, there were submitted over 6,000 applications for protecting industrial property objects, an increase of 9% on 2012. The brand names remain the most popular (85%), followed by inventions and industrial designs (industrial models and drawings).

Lilia Bolocan said that the survey carried out among consumers last year revealed than 63% of those polled agree to pay for pirated products if the prices are reasonable. In 2012, only 20% answered affirmatively this question.

As regards forging, 73% of the respondents said they purchased counterfeit products at least once, 71% did nothing to report this offence, while 25% said they returned the forged products. Only about 4% of the respondents said they informed the inspection bodies when they identified counterfeit products.