EUIPO Seminar Highlights

Addressing IP Enforcement – Digital Challenges in Indonesia

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in partnership with Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) and the SCOPE IPR Program, convened a seminar: “Challenges in IPR Enforcement in Physical and Online Marketplaces” on 22 October 2025. The event drew government officials, law enforcers, e-commerce platforms, industry leaders, and international experts, united by a common interest; strengthening intellectual property (IP) protection in Indonesia and across ASEAN.

The seminar brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the EU Delegation to Indonesia and ASEAN led by Mr. Carsten Sørensen, Head of Trade; representatives from the DGIP and Indonesian law enforcement, Brigjen Pol. Arie Ardian Rishadi and market surveillance officers; private sector leaders from PT Paragon Technology and Innovation, the LEGO Group, and BYD Automotive; major e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and others; as well as international organizations including INTERPOL, MCST Korea, and representatives from various ASEAN countries.

Why IP Enforcement Matters

Mr. Sørensen opened the seminar by highlighting the EU’s commitment to rules-based trade and the importance of strong IP enforcement for investment confidence. He mentioned the SCOPE IPR initiative and the ASEAN–EU Plan of Action, which aim to harmonize IP regulations and foster joint enforcement efforts.

Brigjen Pol. Arie Ardian Rishadi emphasized the need for synergy among agencies, supported by education and preventive outreach. He noted that digitalization and AI are double-edged swords, enabling both legitimate commerce and a ‘more complex and advanced’ IP crime.

New Risks and Opportunities in The Digital Shift

Indonesia’s digital economy is booming, with over 221 million internet users; about 80% of the population. E-commerce, social media commerce, and streaming platforms have overtaken traditional retail, creating new opportunities for innovation but also intensifying the risks of counterfeiting and piracy.

Panelists discussed how online marketplaces and social media have complicated IP enforcement. Sellers often operate behind anonymized profiles, making it difficult to trace the source of counterfeit goods. Live-selling on platforms like TikTok and Instagram further challenges monitoring and evidence collection, as transactions happen quickly and records can vanish.

Enforcement Challenges in the Digital Age

Indonesia’s vast geography, over 17,000 islands, makes physical monitoring a logistical challenge. Cross-border logistics networks enable counterfeit products to move rapidly, while platform accountability remains limited. Marketplaces often require comparative evidence before approving takedown requests, causing delays that may allow counterfeit goods to proliferate.

DGIP’s market surveillance officers reported impressive takedown statistics: in 2025 alone, over 20,000 infringing links were reported, with nearly 19,000 removed across major marketplaces and social media. However, the process is often slowed by platform requirements and delayed responses.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

Some of Indonesia’s noticeable progress:

1. New Criminal Code (KUHP Nasional, Law No. 1/2023)

The new code introduces restorative justice, community service penalties, and clearer complaint timelines (6 months for local, 9 months for overseas complainants). Complaints can be withdrawn within three months but cannot be resubmitted.

2. IP Law Updates

Law No. 28/2014 on Copyright and Law No. 20/2016 on Trademark and GI provide the legal basis for enforcement, including mandatory dispute settlement for copyright and optional mediation for trademarks.

3. Site Blocking Procedures

DGIP and Kominfo jointly verify and recommend blocking infringing sites, with real-time blocking for live streaming violations. In 2025, 974 sites were reported and 777 recommended for blocking.

Strategic Solutions: Multi-Pronged Approach

Indonesia’s multi-dimensional response:

• Mandate real-name registration for online sellers.
• Establish MoUs with online platforms for takedowns and data sharing.
• Enhance IP recordation and customs officer training to detect mixed-container fakes.
• Deploy AI for brand monitoring and blockchain for product authenticity.
• Joint training for police, prosecutors, and judges on IP and cybercrime.
• Campaigns via influencers and media on safety, ethics, and legality of original products.
• Ongoing coordination with ASEAN and EU partners under SCOPE IPR for harmonized standards and joint operations.

Practical Takeaways for Rights Holders

• Prepare strong evidence; product analysis, test purchases, online monitoring, and financial data to support criminal complaints.
• Cooperation with DGIP, customs, and enforcers is essential for effective enforcement.
• Leverage technology to track and report infringements across e-commerce, social media, and streaming platforms.

As the enforcement landscape evolves, proactive engagement with IP experts and authorities is important. SKC Law is committed to guiding clients through these changes, helping brands protect their rights in both digital and physical marketplaces.

Contact our team at enquiries@skclaw.id.

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