Protecting public health and safety starts here.
The “Check First, Buy Safe RX” initiative is your go to, trusted resource for combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Whether you’re a consumer looking to make safe purchases, a healthcare provider ensuring patient safety, a government official safeguarding supply chains, or a law enforcement tackling counterfeit crimes, we’re here to support you.
Through expert-informed tools, training, and resources, we’re empowering you to take action. Together, we can save lives, protect supply chains, and build trust in the systems that keep us healthy.
Let’s make a difference, starting TODAY.
Who Is
The IPR Center?
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) is a global leader in the fight against intellectual property theft and illicit trade. With over 25 years of experience, we work alongside federal agencies, international law enforcement, academia, private sector entities, and industry experts. The IPR Center develops initiatives, coordinates enforcement actions, and plays a significant role in stopping the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods.
What Does The IPR Center Do?
- Combat Illicit Trade: We secure American competitiveness by protecting innovation and supply chains.
- Protect Public Safety: We prevent the sale and importation of dangerous counterfeit products.
- Build Lasting Partnerships: We unite public and private partners to combat intellectual property theft and illicit trade.
The “Check First, Buy Safe RX” Campaign
Our latest initiative builds on our legacy of success through Operation Apothecary by addressing the growing threat of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, we aim to empower stakeholders across the supply chain with knowledge, tools, and resources to make informed decisions and take decisive action.
The IPR Center is committed to protecting public health, safety, and the integrity of the U.S. healthcare system.
Through the campaign, we aim to:
- Educate consumers, healthcare providers, and government officials on the dangers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
- Equip law enforcement and judicial professionals with tools to investigate and prosecute counterfeit cases.
- Safeguard supply chains against counterfeit threats.
- Foster collaboration among industry experts, government agencies, and international partners to create scalable, sustainable solutions.
Building Trust
Through Collaboration
The “Check First, Buy Safe RX” campaign is a collaborative effort, bringing together expertise and resources from some of the most trusted organizations in the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Together, we are committed to protecting public health, securing supply chains, and empowering stakeholders with the tools they need to combat this growing threat.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
Serves as the nation’s first line of defense at ports of entry, intercepting counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical devices before they enter the U.S. market.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI):
Identifies and dismantles criminal networks responsible for counterfeit pharmaceuticals and holds those who threaten public safety accountable.
Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP):
Raises awareness about illegal online drug sellers and helps consumers make safe purchasing decisions.
Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM):
Educates patients, providers, and policymakers on the risks of counterfeit and unsafe medicines.
Rx-360:
Strengthens pharmaceutical supply chain security and promotes best practices to prevent unsafe medical products from reaching patients.
Johns Hopkins University:
Provides academic and public health expertise to support credible, evidence-based education and outreach.
News
Explore recent developments, success stories, and expert insights in our fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Operation Apothecary Expansion Launches:
Learn how we’re addressing counterfeit threats with a central and training hub.
VA Procurement Training Underway:
Discover how we’re equipping VA purchase card holders to secure the government’s supply chain.
Empowering Stakeholders Through Training
We offer specialized training for federal agencies, private sector professionals, and the public. Whether you’re a purchase card holder, rights holder, healthcare consumer, or local law enforcement, our training modules are tailored to your needs.
Training Modules:
- Government Procurement Officers: Learn best practices for sourcing pharmaceuticals and identifying counterfeit threats.
- Healthcare Providers: Gain evidence-based tools to spot counterfeit medicines and protect patient safety.
- Consumers: Discover tips for verifying online pharmacies and avoiding counterfeit products.
- Law Enforcement and Legal Professionals: Access investigative tools, prosecution templates, and victim assistance resources.
Have questions or need assistance?
We’re here to help you protect public health and safety.
Contact us by email for more information:
iprcenter@dhs.gov