Is possession of infringing copies for trade a criminal offense?
Any person possessing an article they know to be an infringing copy for the purpose of sale or hire is guilty of an offense. This also includes possession for distribution that prejudices the rights of the copyright owner. Public trade exhibition of such infringing articles is also prohibited. This liability is described in Section 217.3 Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. “217.3. Any person who at the time when copyright subsists in a work has in his possession an article which he knows… to be an infringing copy… for the purpose of: (a) Selling… (b) Distributing… or (c) Trade exhibit… shall be guilty…” January 8, 2026About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com/.
