On 28 May 2026, the XIV International Forum «Anti-Counterfeit-2026» was held in Astana within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Forum. The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the Eurasian Economic Commission.

The Forum became one of the largest international platforms in the Eurasian region dedicated to combating the illicit trafficking of counterfeit products, protecting intellectual property rights, developing digital control mechanisms and strengthening fair competition.

The Forum's distinguished guests included Assistant to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Legal Affairs Yerzhan Zhiyenbayev, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Sarsembayev, Member of the Board (Minister) for Economy and Financial Policy of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakhyt Sultanov and President of the Eurasian Patent Office of the Eurasian Patent Organization Grigory Ivliev.

Opening the plenary session, the participants emphasized that, amid the rapid development of the digital economy and cross-border e-commerce, combating counterfeit products has become increasingly relevant. According to international organizations, the global trade in counterfeit goods amounts to approximately USD 467 billion, while in the EAEU countries alone more than 6.6 million units of counterfeit products were identified in 2024.

In his speech, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Sarsembayev stressed that intellectual property is now regarded not only as a legal institution, but also as a strategic resource for the development of the knowledge economy, innovation and digital technologies. Particular attention was drawn to the fact that the new version of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first time explicitly establishes that intellectual property shall be protected by law.

The Minister also emphasized that digitalization simultaneously creates new opportunities and poses new challenges, as counterfeit products are increasingly distributed through online platforms, marketplaces and cross-border e-commerce channels. In this regard, particular importance is attached to the introduction of digital services, the development of product traceability mechanisms and the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the protection of intellectual property rights.

The Forum programme included a plenary session and 10 thematic sessions devoted to the digitalization of the intellectual property sphere, the development of product labeling systems in the EAEU countries, consumer protection in
e-commerce, legalization of commodity markets, technical regulation, youth initiatives in combating counterfeiting as well as the application of artificial intelligence and modern digital technologies.

Special attention was paid to issues related to building a transparent digital economy, strengthening international cooperation, increasing the accountability of online platforms and developing coordinated approaches among the EAEU member states to combat the illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods.

The International Forum «Anti-Counterfeit-2026» brought together representatives of government authorities, law enforcement and customs agencies, international organizations, patent offices, business communities and expert circles from the EAEU member states. More than 1,000 participants registered for the Forum.

The Forum will conclude with a final session during which recommendations will be adopted.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/1229553?lang=ru