IPC3 investigates 1,400 suspects in 2016
The Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition (IPC3) has said it investigated 1,400 suspected IP criminals this year.
As part of a statement released earlier today, December 12, the IPC3 said it has been at the forefront of seizing “millions of fake and possibly harmful” products.
“In 2017 alone, the IPC3 has been involved in 36 major intellectual property crime cases,” the report said.
It added: “The unit has coordinated large transnational operations from its headquarters and has extensively assisted cross-border investigations by providing operational and technical support.”
The IPC3, which was set up within the current structure of Europol and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation has been co-funded by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) since July 2016.
“The IPC3 is a success story, both in terms of its activities and in terms of the support it has given to enforcement authorities both inside and outside the EU,” said António Campinos, executive director of the EUIPO.
“With increased funding, the unit will be able to concentrate on a wider range of tasks, with a view to making the internet a safer place for consumers and businesses.”
The report also outlined successful operations that the IPC3 has been involved in, including Operation In Our Sites, which shut over 20,000 domain names selling infringing goods, and Operation Gazel, which saw 65 people arrested as part of a counterfeit meat operation.
This was first published on Trademarks and Brands Online.
