Counterfeit medical products are becoming an international epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 8% of the medical devices in circulation are counterfeit. The offending products may be assembled from inferior quality components, or worse yet, from fake parts that could contain toxic materials. In either case the dangers are the same. Counterfeit medical devices pose a significant liability to the manufacturers and a health risk to both the patients and healthcare providers that could result in injury, permanent disability, or even death.
In response to the growing threat of counterfeit medical products, WHO created the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce (IMPACT) to raise awareness, mobilize nations, and draft international legislation. Over the past few years, the Food and Drug Administration has reported numerous counterfeit medical products in the U.S. like unsterile surgical bandages, faulty glucose test strips, and fake pharmaceuticals. In 2009, U.S. Customs seized over $30 million in counterfeit medical products, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, electronic components, and power systems.
While domestic and international organizations are doing their best to fight the counterfeiting threat, there are many reasons for medical device manufacturers to become more proactive in protecting their brands. "The potential health risks to consumers aren't the only dangers," explains Steve Delepine, V.P. of Business Development for BrandWatch Technologies. "The effects of legal liabilities, negative branding, and revenue loss can ultimately bankrupt a company."