Seizures last week include the culmination of operation “Summer Solstice”, run by the FBI and Chinese Public Security Bureau, investigating the largest ever software pirating ring. The operation which has been running since 2005 yielded $500 million worth of pirated software and 25 arrests… Also in China a large amount of counterfeit pharmaceuticals has been seized in a number of raids…Counterfeit designer clothing worth £3 million was seized in the UK… Elsewhere in the UK a total of 16 million counterfeit cigarettes has been seized by customs officials...Pirated movies and music has been seized in Ireland, Italy and the US.

Cases and Outcomes last week include a drugs inspector and five others being arrested for their alleged role in a fake drugs racket in India… A German court has ruled that eBay must take more measures to prevent the recurrence of counterfeit Rolex postings on its site once it is informed of a clearly identified infringement… In the UK an organised criminal gang has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for their part in a major smuggling racket involving more than 12 million counterfeit cigarettes.

Policy developments last week include the Chinese government unveiling new controls aimed at fighting counterfeit drugs and substandard exports… In the US an amendment to higher education legislation means that colleges and universities will now have to tell the government what steps they are taking to curb piracy on their computer networks… In India the government has said it will form separate task forces in all the 30 districts to halt the trade in spurious medicine.

Studies reported last week include “Counterfeiting Luxury: Exposing the Myths 2007 Report” by law firm Davenport Lyons, which finds that owning a counterfeit luxury product has become socially acceptable in the UK.