EUIPO joins Europol in anti-counterfeiting drive
The EU’s law enforcement agency Europol and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have joined forces to launch the Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition (IPC3), which aims to fight online IP abuse.
According to Europol, IP crime is “ widespread” and an “ever-increasing” phenomenon worldwide.
The IPC3 will provide operational and technical support to law enforcement agencies and other partners in the EU by facilitating and coordinating cross-border investigations; monitoring and reporting online trends; and enhancing the harmonisation and standardisation of legal instruments and operating procedures to counter IP crime.
The partnership, announced on July 12, will also reach out to the public and law enforcement by raising awareness and providing training.
Rob Wainwright, director of Europol, said: “Thanks to the excellent cooperation between EUIPO, law enforcement agencies and private sector representatives across Europe and beyond they [IP abusers] can be effectively investigated and prosecuted.”
António Campinos, executive director of the EUIPO, said: “We decided to team up with Europol to help combat the IPR-infringing business models in the online environment in the interest of protecting citizens, legitimate businesses and the economy as a whole”.
