Europe increases anti-piracy fight

Seizures of illegal DVDs, CDs rise 2,600%

By ED MEZA

BERLIN -- Seizures of pirated goods at the European Union's borders more than doubled last year as customs officials confiscated some 178 million items compared to 79 million in 2007.

Pirated DVDs and CDs made up 44% of the goods seized -- some 78 million units.

The dramatic increase reflects improved cooperation between authorities and industry, according to a report by the European Commission on efforts to enforce intellectual property rights at Europe's borders.

The EC, Europe's executive arm, said customs registered more than 49,000 cases of suspected violation of intellectual property rights, up from 43,000 in 2007.

The report cited China as the main source of all counterfeit goods.

EU customs commissioner Laszlo Kovacs said fighting piracy remains a top priority.