Fighting IP Crime: A global responsibility

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao - Law enforcement officials, security and industry experts are meeting in Curaçao to strengthen global partnerships and coordinate action to counter intellectual property (IP) crime.

Affecting all sectors and all regions, the trade in fake and pirated goods by transnational organized crime groups is often linked to other crime types, such as human trafficking, corruption and money laundering.

To counter this evolving threat, some 375 specialists from more than 65 countries are meeting at the 17th International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Crime Conference to shape effective enforcement strategies.

Co-hosted by INTERPOL, the Government of Curaçao and its partner the Curinde Free Trade Zone in partnership with UL Standards and Engagement, and delivered by the International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC), this is the first time the event is being held in the Caribbean.

The event also marks the creation of the first National IP Crime Task Force in Curaçao which will provide expert assistance in anti-counterfeiting activities.

On behalf of the Council of Ministers, Curaçao's Minister of Justice, Mr Shalten Hato said:

"We must unite to fight crime. For Curaçao, the advantage of creating a dedicated task force goes beyond simply identifying criminals who travel internationally and tackling cross-border crime; the exchange of information is essential in helping us stay ahead of criminal activities."

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

"With every region of the world and all industry sectors affected by intellectual property crime, a global and coordinated response is essential.

"This conference will provide new impetus to our united efforts to tackle this threat, which not only harms public health, but also damages economies, undermining communities."

Focusing on Free Trade Zones and Supply Chain Security, the theme of the conference is "Reducing the Harm", and will address the following three key areas:

• Coordinating Responses
• Aligning Resources
• Leveraging Opportunities

"We are a safety advocacy organization, and counterfeits represent the absence of safety," said George Borlase, Interim Executive Director of UL Standards & Engagement.

"We are proud to partner and co-host with INTERPOL, the Government of Curaçao, and the Curinde Free Trade Zone to convene key stakeholders and support information sharing that will lead to solutions that leave us better protected against the harms of counterfeits."

First held in 2007, the Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference has become the premiere event for law enforcement and private sector professionals.

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