Because of the negative impact on society’s economy and security, illicit trade is becoming a greater threat. Governments lose billions of dollars in tax income due to anything from counterfeiting and smuggling to the sale and possession of unlawful goods and services, which also threatens the sustainability of legal businesses and exposes consumers to unregulated goods.
At the 15th International IP Crime Conference, 450 law enforcement officials, security experts, and industry experts from 70 countries and nine organizations are meeting in person and online to combat this threat.
The three-day event is jointly hosted by INTERPOL, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), and Underwriters Laboratories (19-21 September).
Online piracy, operational and investigative support to combat IP crime internationally, money laundering, pharmaceuticals – consumer health and safety, women in IP, and capacity building will be among the main subjects covered by participants.
Worldwide IP Crime Threat
IP crime affects every industry sector, affecting public health and the global economy. Some estimates the annual value of the illicit pharmaceuticals market alone at above USD 4 billion. Too many people still consider counterfeiting and piracy as victimless crimes, despite the fact that these serious transnational organized crimes are committed by extensive and complex criminal operations.
In order to combat these threats and eliminate the criminal groups reaping significant profits at the expense of very real human costs, INTERPOL aims to assist law enforcement and its partners in acquiring the information, skills, and best practices necessary.
Action against illegal marketplaces
The most vulnerable individuals in society are the main targets of illegal and fake pharmaceuticals, which threaten lives. The COVID-19 epidemic and rising consumer demand have both contributed to an increase in the production and sales of illicit medical products from unauthorized and unregulated websites.
In this situation, INTERPOL coordinates national, international, and regional law enforcement operations to support its member nations’ initiatives to combat illicit markets.
Training and capacity-building strategies
The International Intellectual Property Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC), which INTERPOL established in collaboration with UL, is a global online training platform that offers self-paced training and educational webinars.
The interactive training platform has developed into a crucial educational resource for rights holders and law enforcement agencies throughout the world, ensuring that front-line officers have access to the essential training and knowledge.
You can find the list of Global IP Firms here.