Protecting Public Health and Safety
Predatory and illegal intellectual property (IP) trade practices affect every aspect of our lives. The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) leads the U.S. government's response to stop global IP theft and enforce trade laws.
Comprised of federal agencies and industry experts, the IPR Center develops initiatives, coordinates enforcement actions and shares information related to intellectual property (IP) theft. It also stops predatory, illegal trade practices that threaten the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy and national security.
By the Numbers
IP theft is not a victimless crime. Victims are American consumers, businesses, trademark holders and people who manufacture and sell legitimate products. Often, the illicit proceeds resulting from the sale of counterfeit or unlicensed products are funneled back to support a broad range of illegal crimes. Every day, the IPR Center works with industries and agencies to stop IP theft that threatens U.S. businesses, robs hardworking Americans of their jobs and negatively impacts the economy. From criminal arrests to the seizure of goods, the numbers tell the story.
Criminals sell pirated merchandise and counterfeit U.S. products around the globe. And, while it seems harmless to buy a knock-off purse, an inexpensive electronic device or cheaper medication, these trade practices threaten the public's health and safety, the U.S. economy and national security by introducing harmful and banned materials into counterfeit products and supporting illegal labor practices. The U.S. government created the IPR Center to stop predatory and illegal trade practices.
By bringing together domestic and international government agencies and private industry partners, the IPR Center presents a unified force to combat global intellectual property theft and enforce IP rights violations. The IPR Center was established to combat global IP theft and, accordingly, has a significant role policing the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods on websites, social media, and the dark web.
IP PROTECT
Learn how IP Project can help small businesses protect themselves from intellectual property theft, fraud and cyber-attacks.
If you represent a small business or organization wanting to learn more about IP Protect, please click on the button below.
RECENT NEWS
2024/07/25 12:15:00 UTC
Foreign National Charged for Selling Counterfeit Cancer Drugs
A federal grand jury in Houston has returned a significant indictment against an Indian national accused of trafficking counterfeit oncology pharmaceuticals into the U.S. Charged with one count of conspiracy and four counts of trafficking, the individual faces up to 20 years in prison per count if convicted. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit drugs and protect patient safety.
2024/06/13 14:29:00 UTC
Sports Fans Beware: Counterfeit NHL Merchandise on the Rise During 2024 Stanley Cup Final
WASHINGTON— With the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers competing in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and the National Hockey League (NHL) are reminding sports fans to be wary of counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel during the championship series. Large sporting events, such as the Stanley Cup Final, are prime targets for increasingly savvy criminals who often set up sophisticated fake websites or e-commerce marketplace storefronts with the sole intent of scamming sports fans.
2024/06/07 13:57:00 UTC
IPR Center Cautions Fans in Boston and Dallas to Be Aware of Fake Merchandise and Tickets During 2024 NBA Finals
WASHINGTON – As the 2024 NBA Finals tip off this week, fans from all over are heading to Boston and Dallas to support teams and purchase authentic gear and memorabilia. With high demand for merchandise during this year’s matchup, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, joins the NBA in cautioning fans to be on the lookout for counterfeiters attempting to sell unauthorized, knock-off products and tickets.
Quick Links
- National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
- Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC)
- Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Report to the President of the United States
- Trade | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)
- The Truth Behind Counterfeits | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)
- Guide to Brand Protection for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises – Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (msu.edu)
- Wildlife Trafficking: Why battling this illicit trade is crucial | ICE
- UL Research Institutes
**The appearance of any non-federal entities and/or reference to vendors does not constitute, imply, or infer endorsement or sanction of their products or services by the IPR Center, DHS, or the federal government.