MIMIT-UNICRI Guide on Combating Trademark Counterfeiting Published

On the occasion of the 11th Anti-Counterfeiting Week, held from October 19 to 23, 2026, the Operational Guide for Italian Businesses in Cases of Industrial Property Rights Infringements was presented. The guide was developed as part of a project coordinated and promoted by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT), through the General Directorate for Industrial Property — the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM)—in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

This publication was created with the aim of providing businesses—with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises—with a practical tool to prevent, detect, and combat the counterfeiting of registered trademarks. The document addresses the main situations in which a business may need to protect its rights, both in digital channels—marketplaces, social networks, and e-commerce sites—and in physical locations, such as stores, trade shows, and markets.

This guide walks the reader through the various stages of managing a potential violation: from internal organization and market monitoring to the collection and preservation of evidence, as well as the initial steps to take and cooperation with the relevant authorities. Ample attention is also given to civil and criminal remedies, explaining their procedures, benefits, and factors to consider, along with practical guidance and supporting checklists.

The document also aims to help companies recognize the value of a brand as a strategic and financial asset, providing useful guidance on how to strengthen its protection and safeguard the company’s reputation, competitiveness, and assets.

This guide is the first installment of a broader publishing project, which will include the subsequent publication of two additional operational manuals dedicated to the protection of designs and patents.

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