In the EU, IPR-intensive industries generate 26% of jobs and 39% of economic activity, while inadequate protection leads to significant losses through counterfeiting, job destruction, and risks to public health and safety.

Although Croatia has aligned its legal framework with EU standards, enforcement remains weak. AmCham recommends:

1. adopting a new National Intellectual Property Strategy and action plan,
2. introducing the criterion of “infringement for commercial purposes” and using retail price to determine damages,
3. strengthening the work and cooperation of police, inspection authorities, and the State Attorney’s Office,
4. reorganizing, concentrating, and specializing judicial and enforcement bodies.

Stronger and more effective IPR protection would boost innovation, attract investment, enhance legal certainty, and reduce the economic and social harm caused by counterfeiting.