Special Prosecutor Orders Closure Of Website Selling Counterfeit Products

Through the Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Intellectual Property and Computer Security, Panama has set a precedent regarding the country's position of websites selling counterfeit products and infringing trademarks. In the past months the Prosecutor has ordered the shut down of at least 3 websites conducting illegal activities.

Despite the lack of special legislation on the matter, these cases can be addressed by the Prosecutor due to the fact that many international websites hire hosting services from Panamanian companies. This clears the way for the use of Panamanian legislation such as the Judicial Code, specifically Article 2178, which states that public offices can search and seize an establishment where there is serious evidence of illegal activity.