As a legal expert and vice president of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), Lorenza, along with Angelica Jäggli representing the consumer association ACSI, discussed measures to take when purchasing online in order to avoid the purchase of counterfeited goods and being sanctioned for the infringing of IP rights. 

During the interview, Lorenza emphasized the illegality of buying counterfeited products online and highlighted that importing counterfeits into Switzerland by individual consumers also is illegal. The majority of counterfeited goods imported into Switzerland are purchased online and delivered in small packages.

Customs are allowed to retain the counterfeited goods, inform the owners of the infringed trademarks, copyrights, patents, or designs, and, with the purchaser's approval, destroy such goods. Furthermore, owners of the counterfeited trademarks, copyrights, patents and designs can claim damage compensation from the infringing consumers, covering the destruction and administrative costs as well as any other arising damages. Regularly, infringing consumers are receiving compensation requests by legal representatives of the infringed IP owners. Amended custom rules will allow for a simplified destruction procedure of the counterfeited goods.

Lorenza's interview helps raise awareness around the illegal online sales of counterfeited goods, highlighting the legal consequences for consumers and the importance of taking precautions while shopping online.