The Trading Standards Consumer Affairs Conference in Bournemouth is an opportunity for the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) to celebrate the success of partnership working and new legislative powers in the on-going fight against IP Crime.
A new and effective enforcement tool in the fight against IP crime is asset confiscation. Using new legislation, the Proceeds of Crime Act, a Sheffield dealer selling counterfeit designer goods worth millions of pounds was recently told to pay back the proceeds of her crimes - £2.8million - or face 10 years in prison.
Other successes include the recent pilot scheme between the Wales Regional Intelligence Unit and the Optical Media Industry anti-piracy units which, with the support of Trading Standards, Police and Regional Asset Recovery Teams has led to major disruption of both physical and on-line crime groups.
Ian Fletcher, Chief Executive of the UK Intellectual Property Office said:
"The UK-IPO is committed to supporting and developing a partner agency approach in the ongoing fight against IP crime. This is all part of our overall efforts to ensure that the value of creativity and innovation is maximised for the benefit of the UK."
Detective Sergeant Graham Mogg, Intelligence Co-ordinator, who joined the UK-IPO from South Wales Police in August 2007 said,
"The criminal fraternity often view IP crime as a low risk, high profit business venture, however, the individuals and organised crime groups engaged in IP infringement undermine community values, impact on legitimate businesses and damage the UK economy".
