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
2022/06/17 07:59:00 UTC
Sports fans beware: Counterfeit NHL merchandise on the rise during 2022 Stanley Cup Final
WASHINGTON – With the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning competing in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and National Hockey League (NHL) are reminding sports fans to beware of purchasing counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel during the championship series.
2022/06/06 14:21:00 UTC
IPR Center teams up with NBA on counterfeits
As the 2022 NBA Finals tip off this week, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are teaming up with the NBA to caution fans to be on the lookout for counterfeiters attempting to sell unauthorized, knock-off products and tickets.
2022/04/22 12:56:00 UTC
RIAA partnership expands fight against digital piracy
The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and the Recording Industry Association of America have announced a long-term agreement expanding and formalizing an ongoing partnership on digital anti-piracy efforts to disrupt and combat all forms of digital piracy.
Quick Links
- National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
- Office of Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC)
- Law-Enforcement Online (For Law-Enforcement Only)
- Acquisition Professional Training
- 2019 Intellectual Property Rights Seizure Statistics
- 2020 Annual Intellectual Property Report to Congress
- Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Report to the President of the United States