EU Anti-Counterfeiting Rapid Intelligence System: One Database For All Data On IPR Infringement

By Alexandra Nightingale for Intellectual Property Watch

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Commission Trade Directorate recently launched a new intellectual property enforcement tool that aims to pool together all data relating to IP rights infringement experienced by EU companies into one database to help build prevention strategies. This is one of many new EU initiatives to counter growing IPR infringement and counterfeits.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Rapid Intelligence System (ACRIS) is new database created by EUIPO’s Observatory in cooperation with DG Trade. The database provides EU companies with an overview of IP risks in third countries and offers a collection of IPR infringement cases. In the database, information is also given on the actions taken by third country local authorities in response to IP infringements. This information is intended to help companies to make informed decisions as to their business strategies in third countries and how to avoid and mitigate risks of IP infringement.

Infringement cases can be followed from the moment proceedings are brought until the case is closed. Statistics from other companies and of cases are posted anonymously.

Moreover, the information on the database is also targeted at EU policy decision-makers in discussions with third countries on IPRs. News on these upcoming dialogues is also available.

ACRIS is free and multilingual with secured access and options as to confidentiality.

Alexandra Nightingale is an intern at Intellectual Property Watch. She completed her Bachelors in Law at the University of Sussex and holds an LLM degree in International Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. During her Masters, she developed a strong interest in Intellectual Property, particularly patents and the aspects relating to global health. Her research interests now also include geographical indications and trademarks.