Greenhills Shopping Center entrance sign in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines – Photo Credit: Badudoy / Wikimedia Commons
Review cites Greenhills management’s enforcement measures, including a three-strikes policy and the removal of nearly 300 stalls tied to counterfeit merchandise.
MANILA — The Office of the United States Trade Representative has again included Greenhills Shopping Center in its annual review of global markets associated with counterfeit and pirated goods.
The designation appears in the 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, an annual report that identifies physical marketplaces and online platforms worldwide where pirated or counterfeit goods and services are reported to be available or trafficked, based on information submitted by rights holders and other stakeholders.
Greenhills Shopping Center, located in San Juan City in Metro Manila, is one of the region’s best-known retail complexes and attracts both local shoppers and visitors. The market has long been known for electronics repairs, jewelry trading and specialty retail stalls.
In the review, the USTR said counterfeit electronics, perfumes, watches, shoes, accessories and fashion items continue to be reported in certain areas of the complex, according to information cited in the report.
Philippine authorities say enforcement efforts have intensified in recent years through coordination among government agencies, law enforcement units and intellectual-property rights holders. Those actions have included inspections and raids targeting suspected counterfeit merchandise.
According to the report, Greenhills management has implemented a “three-strikes” policy against tenants found selling counterfeit goods. Under the policy, vendors may face removal after repeated violations.
The report also states that management reported nearly 300 vendor stalls were removed over the past year after being found selling counterfeit merchandise.
Government agencies are also pursuing longer-term reforms. Through the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, authorities are coordinating with rights holders and mall management on a transition program intended to reposition Greenhills as a higher-end retail center focused on legitimate businesses.
As part of the initiative, the NCIPR is working with mall management and the San Juan city government to establish a pilot intellectual-property help desk at the shopping center to assist vendors and strengthen compliance efforts.
Rights holders cited in the report said they welcomed the enforcement actions and reform initiatives but continue to monitor the market, noting that counterfeit products are still reported in certain areas of the complex.
The USTR review functions as a monitoring mechanism intended to encourage stronger intellectual-property protection and cooperation between governments, market operators and industry stakeholders. Inclusion on the list does not automatically trigger trade sanctions.
The report cites actions taken by Greenhills management but does not include a direct statement from the mall’s owners.
