Measuring the “Unmeasurable”

Abstract

Due to its considerable negative consequences, product counterfeiting is a global problem that is a growing concern for consumers, government entities, law enforcement, and businesses. Unfortunately, current assessments of the nature and extent of the problem are largely unreliable and based on methodologies with significant limitations. This article examines the current approaches to measuring product counterfeiting, complementing those with a review of methods used to examine other crimes. It concludes by discussing the applicability of both commonly used and novel research methodologies, as they might apply to the study of product counterfeiting.