The Philippines has once again avoided inclusion in the European Union’s Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List, affirming its continued efforts to uphold intellectual property rights (IPR) and crack down on illicit trade.

The European Commission regularly publishes the “Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries” and a separate “Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List.” The latter identifies online services and physical marketplaces outside the EU that are frequently associated with counterfeiting and piracy.

While the watch list is not exhaustive, nor does it declare legal violations, its purpose is to raise awareness among consumers and encourage responsible authorities to act against IPR-infringing activities.

In a positive development, the Philippines has continued to steer clear of being flagged, indicating progress in its intellectual property enforcement and cooperation with international partners. The country’s exclusion suggests that local agencies and stakeholders are aligning with global standards in protecting intellectual property, deterring counterfeiting, and addressing digital piracy.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), which has taken a more aggressive stance in recent years, has welcomed the continued exclusion. The agency has worked closely with law enforcement, rights holders, and digital platforms to curb IPR violations and dismantle illicit trade networks.