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EUIPO Warns Of Risks From Illegal Platforms And Counterfeits

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 27, 2024

The Head of Service of Outreach and Knowledge at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Claire Castel, has issued a stark warning about the dangers associated with using illegal platforms and counterfeit goods. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Castel highlighted the economic and security risks posed by piracy and counterfeit operations, which fund organised crime and expose consumers to identity theft, viruses, and financial scams.

Castel emphasised the necessity of public awareness in combating intellectual property (IP) infringement. She pointed out that, despite improvements in the availability of legal platforms since the early 2000s, illegal streaming and counterfeit products continue to undermine legitimate businesses and sports organisations by diverting necessary funding and revenues. These illegal activities not only jeopardise the financial stability of these entities but also endanger consumers by offering substandard products that fail to meet safety and health standards.

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To mitigate these risks, Castel advised consumers to verify the authenticity of websites by looking for HTTPS in the URL, checking for clear contact information, reading reviews on trusted platforms, and ensuring the presence of legal disclaimers and privacy policies. She also recommended the EU’s agorateka portal, which lists over 4500 legal content sources, as a resource for distinguishing between legitimate and pirated digital content.

Addressing the cost-driven motivations behind the consumption of counterfeit goods and pirated content, Castel acknowledged that affordability and accessibility are significant factors. However, she urged consumers to consider the hidden costs of such choices, including health and safety risks, cybersecurity threats, and the support of organised crime. Castel called for a continued European-wide approach to tackling IP crime, supported by the EU policy cycle and member states’ participation.

This comprehensive strategy underscores the need for collective action and consumer vigilance to safeguard economic interests and public safety against the pervasive threat of illegal platforms and counterfeit operations. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must the measures to protect intellectual property and ensure a secure online environment for all.

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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.