UKIPO Survey Shows Rise in Counterfeit Toy Probes

The UK Intellectual Property Office released its latest Trading Standards Survey on September 8, covering April 2025 to March 2026. Responses from 142 of 189 local authorities indicate that counterfeit toys are now a more visible enforcement priority, with 67% of respondents reporting investigations into such goods.

Cigarettes and tobacco remained the most commonly investigated category at 89%, followed by clothing at 69%. The survey also found that 64% of authorities identified links between counterfeiting and organized crime groups, up one-third from the prior year.

The IPO highlighted its Fake Toys, Real Harms campaign, noting media attention around counterfeit Labubu dolls as a factor raising awareness. Officials emphasized risks to consumers from unsafe fakes and broader criminal impacts.

The annual report provides frontline data to guide enforcement efforts against IP crime across UK communities.

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/counterfeit-toy-investigations-reported-by-trading-standards-rise https://trademarklawyermagazine.com/trademark-news/