IACC Applauds Europol on the Launch of IP Crime Coordinated Coalition (IPC3)
IACC President Signs MOU with Europol and is appointed to IPC3's Stakeholders' Advisory Group
On July 12, 2016, IACC President Bob Barchiesi joined representatives from European government agencies, the United States White House, international law enforcement, international government agencies, rights-holders, trade associations, and academia in The Hague, The Netherlands, for the launch of Europol’s IP Crime Coordinated Coalition (IPC3).
The IACC congratulates Europol and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on the launch of the IPC3. Thanks to generous funding from the EUIPO, IPC3 will be able to increase operational support capabilities in the field of anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy. This new collaborative effort strives to leverage and strengthen the collective capabilities of all stakeholders to coordinate and support the fight against intellectual property crime globally.
In furtherance of that goal, IACC President, Bob Barchiesi, and Europol Director, Rob Wainwright, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster the organizations’ collaboration and lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives. In addition, Bob will sit on the IPC3’s Stakeholders Advisory Group for a two (2) year term as a rights-holder representative.
As the leading global organization on anti-counterfeiting enforcement, the IACC strongly believes in partnership and collaboration between government and industry in order to effectively combat counterfeiting and piracy. The IACC is pleased to support IPC3’s important mission to facilitate and coordinate cross-border investigations, monitor online crime trends, enhance harmonization of legal tools and operating procedures, and raise awareness among the public and other law enforcement officials on the dangers of IP crime. As a member of the Stakeholders Advisory Group, the IACC is committed to lending its support and sharing its global programs, expertise and the voice of its members with the IPC3.
According to a recent OECD report the trade in counterfeit and pirated goods has grown from $250 billion annually in 2007 to approximately $461 billion in 2013. According to these findings, counterfeit products now represent up to 2.5% of all world trade and up to 5% of imports into the European Union.
The IACC also looks forward to advancing its strong partnership with Europol through the MOU and IPC3 and providing a valuable opportunity for IACC members to relay input and suggestions on enforcement issues and trends in the EU.
More details about Europol and IPC3 can be found here.