Business Bayani PH

Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City is making headlines for the wrong reasons, landing on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Notorious Markets list for selling counterfeit goods. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is now taking action to clean up the market’s image.

The recent USTR report, released on January 30, pointed out that Greenhills is a place where fake electronics, perfumes, watches, shoes, and fashion items are sold. IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba is determined to turn things around and remove Greenhills from the USTR watch list.

Barba introduced the “Overhaul Greenhills Project” (OG Project), a plan to transform Greenhills into a high-end mall with legitimate sellers. The IPOPHL is teaming up with the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) to execute this project effectively.

“We will work with rights holders, San Juan local government, and Greenhills management on seizures, warning letters, and updates on the mall’s development into a high-end destination,” stated Barba, emphasizing the multi-step approach to revamp Greenhills.

The main goal is to take Greenhills off the USTR’s watch list while ensuring counterfeit and IP-infringing goods are no longer sold there. Barba stressed that selling fake products is not only a crime but also damages legitimate businesses, erodes investor trust, and deprives the government of taxes.

“IPOPHL urges all sellers to support legitimate trade and locally-made products for a safe, IP-driven economy where local businesses can thrive,” urged Barba, highlighting the need for authentic and lawful trade.

The Notorious Markets List, compiled by the USTR, points out markets engaging in trademark counterfeiting and piracy. It raises awareness and helps prioritize intellectual property enforcement. 

The list doesn’t cover all infringing markets, nor implies legal violations. The 2022 and 2023 lists pinpointed markets, especially in China, linked to counterfeit goods. 

Initiated on August 26, 2022, with public input, the 2023 review came out on January 31. It results from industry group input, part of an out-of-cycle review in intellectual property protection and enforcement. 

The urgency to remove Greenhills from the USTRs Notorious Markets list underscores the broader impact of counterfeit trade on the economy. IPOPHL stresses the role of legitimate businesses in building a strong economy and calls for a collective effort to prioritize locally-made products. As Greenhills undergoes changes, IPOPHL remains committed to a future where this iconic shopping spot is free from counterfeit goods.◼