RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property destroyed about five million products violating intellectual property regulations during the past year.

It was working in tandem with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Information.

Counterfeit commercial goods accounted for about 40 percent of the tally, amounting to two million goods, while nearly three million products were defined as a violation of intellectual property rights.

The Authority seized 11,620 products that violated intellectual property in five cities, Al Eqtisadiah reported.

It warned against promoting or trading in any product that violates intellectual property rights, or any behavior that violates intellectual property regulations.

Governments and corporations are increasing their efforts to crack down on counterfeit goods as rogue operators use e-commerce to boost sales.

Amazon said this week that it blocked more than 10 billion suspected listings of counterfeit goods on its platform last year as part of a global crackdown in the face of pressure from consumers, brands and regulators.

The e-commerce giant made the announcement in its first “brand protection report,” as part of its initiative to weed out listings of fakes by third-party sellers, AFP reported.