December 3, 2020 marks Brazil’s Anti-Piracy and Anti-Biopiracy Day, created in 2005, by federal law, after approval in the national congress, to raise the population’s awareness against piracy and counterfeiting, the traffic of wild animals and the illegal use and exploitation of natural resources or traditional knowledge about these resources.

The acquisition of pirated and counterfeit products can lead to the financing of criminal organizations and put health and consumer safety at risk. It is a transnational crime often linked to other serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering. With no regulation, the production of pirated and counterfeit products can also damage the environment. Employment rights and working conditions are also affected. Workers are low paid, and placed in a vulnerable position, without safety and security concerns.

 

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