Brief: Islamic State issues counterfeiting fatwa

Islamic State (IS) has reportedly issued a decree encouraging the counterfeiting of international brands.

According to Egypt-based Islamic institute Dar Al-Iftaa, IS has issued a fatwa (religious verdict) indicating that counterfeiting of brands and selling them in markets is permitted, although the source suggests this is prohibited under Shariah law.

"Intellectual, literary and artistic property rights, copyrights and names, trademarks and licenses are of the inalienable rights of the owners legally and customarily," says Dar Al-Iftaa on its website.

A study published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) earlier this year concluded that proceeds from the trade in counterfeit goods are helping to fund terror networks and organised crime.

OECD Deputy Secretary-General Doug Frantz said at the time the report was released that counterfeit goods are the biggest contributor to the world's underground economy, claiming the activity helped fund the Charlie Hebdo terror attacks in Paris in January 2015.