What is the National Intellectual Property Coordination Center? National Intellectual Property Coordination Center Review

The National IPCC was established in 2000 under the leadership of the then-U.S. Customs Service as part of the Clinton Administration’s implementation of the International Crime Control Strategy of 1998. The International Crime Control Strategy was developed to address the threats to national security posed by international crime as identified in Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) No. 42 of 1995.

The Intellectual Property Center fights intellectual property theft around the world by coordinating with 25 major federal and international government agencies and private sector partners, working to share critical information and raise awareness of the dangers of intellectual property theft, fraud, cyber intrusions, and trade violations. The Intellectual Property Center relies on partnerships with government agencies and private industry to protect the United States from intellectual property theft that threatens economic, U.S. public and national security. Projects include:

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Operation Engine-Newity

In 2009, the automotive industry alerted the IPR Center to emerging health and safety threats associated with the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit auto parts and devices. Operation Engine-Newity was launched by HSI, CBP, the FBI and other partner agencies to address threats such as counterfeit air bags. Under this operational umbrella, the IPR Center will continue to develop investigative leads for field agents, support ongoing investigations and work closely with industry experts.

Operation in Our Sites

Operation Our Site is a strategic offensive against websites that distribute counterfeit products, pirated movies and television content. Launched in June 2010, IOS combats online intellectual property crime by disrupting and dismantling organizations through criminal investigations, domain name seizures, asset seizures and arrests. These actions target both individuals who operate illegal websites and those who use legitimate websites to conduct criminal activities.

Operation Apothecary

Operation Apothecary was launched in 2004 to combat loopholes in how pharmaceuticals enter the U.S. marketplace, particularly by criminals who smuggle commercial quantities of counterfeit, unapproved and/or adulterated drugs through the Internet, international mail facilities, courier centers and land borders.

Operation Team Player

The sale and trafficking of counterfeit sporting goods, tickets and apparel is a multi-million dollar criminal industry, and Operation Team Player was created to target the manufacturers and sellers of these products – shutting them down and bringing them to justice.

Operation Body Armor

Operation Bulletproof targets the illegal importation of unapproved, counterfeit or adulterated personal health and beauty products into the United States. As online sales have surged, incidents of illegal importation of products have increased dramatically. Several federal government agencies have joined forces with the health and beauty industry to combat smuggling and protect American consumers.

Operation Chain Reaction

In June 2011, Operation Chain Reaction was launched as a 16-agency effort to combat the spread of counterfeit goods throughout the Department of Defense and federal government supply chains.

Operation Surge Protector

The widespread use of consumer electronics and technology products provides an opportunity for criminals to create and sell counterfeit devices. These products are often manufactured using substandard materials, have not been tested or passed safety requirements, and pose a real risk to public health and safety. To address this, Operation Surge Protector was established in 2016 to stop the criminal trade in electronic components and devices that can malfunction and cause serious harm.

Tobacco Program

The Tobacco Program investigates domestic and international smuggling of cigarettes, trafficking of counterfeit and stolen cigarettes, and international money laundering for potential tobacco-related crimes.

References

• 1. About the National Intellectual Property Coordination Center: Official Website