The fight against IP crime: a global responsibility

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao – Law enforcement officials, security and industry experts are convening in Curacao to strengthen global partnerships and coordinate measures to combat intellectual property (IP) crime.

The trade in counterfeit and pirated goods by transnational organised crime groups affects all sectors and regions and is often linked to other forms of crime, such as human trafficking, corruption and money laundering.

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

The event is organized by INTERPOL, the Government of Curacao and its partner the Curinde Free Trade Zone in collaboration with UL Standards and Engagement and is facilitated by the International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC). This is the first time the event is held in the Caribbean.

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

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

“We must unite to fight crime. For Curacao, the benefit of creating a special task force goes beyond identifying criminals traveling internationally and addressing cross-border crime; the exchange of information is essential to help us stay ahead of criminal activity.”

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

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

“This conference will give new impetus to our collective efforts to tackle this threat, which not only harms public health but also undermines economies and communities.”

The theme of the conference, which focuses on free trade zones and supply chain security, is ‘Reducing the Harm’. The following three key points will be addressed:

• Coordinating responses
• Alignment of resources
• Seize opportunities

“We are an organization committed to safety, and counterfeit products are a symbol of the absence of safety,” said George Borlase, interim director of UL Standards & Engagement.

“We are proud to partner with INTERPOL, the Government of Curacao and the Curinde Free Trade Zone and work together to bring together key stakeholders and support information sharing that will lead to solutions that better protect us from the harms of counterfeit products.”

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