Our expert, Aneta Tadjer, Attorney at Law and Managing Partner in Bulgaria, participated in the 6th Europol IP Crime Conference, which took place in Madrid from October 24 to 25, 2024. This high-profile event, co-organized by EUIPO and the Spanish Guardia Civil, brought together law enforcement officials, private sector leaders, and academic experts to exchange knowledge and strategies for combating intellectual property (IP) crime.
Following the Money: The Financial Side of IP Crime
This year’s theme, “Follow the Money to Fight IP Crime,” focuses on the financial mechanisms behind IP crime and their far-reaching consequences on public health, safety, and the environment. With counterfeit goods infiltrating markets at an alarming rate, understanding the economic incentives and financial enablers of IP crime is crucial for effective enforcement.
Key discussions at the conference include:
- Financial investigations and asset recovery in IP crime cases
- The role of social media influencers in promoting counterfeit goods
- The impact of IP crime on public health and environmental safety
- Global perspectives on financial crime related to IP, including insights from the U.S.
IP Crime in Numbers: The Alarming Scale of Counterfeiting
A new Europol and EUIPO report titled “Uncovering the Ecosystem of Intellectual Property Crime: A Focus on Enablers” highlights the staggering scope of counterfeiting in the EU:
- Over 86 million counterfeit items were seized in the EU in 2022 alone
- The estimated value of seized goods exceeds €2 billion
- The illicit trade of counterfeit goods continues to fuel organized crime networks, financial fraud, and consumer harm
These figures underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement, better collaboration, and enhanced legal strategies to protect businesses and consumers from the growing threats of IP crime.
Turcu & Turcu’s Commitment to IP Protection
At Turcu & Turcu, we are deeply committed to combating intellectual property crime and supporting businesses in securing their brands and innovations. Our firm provides specialized legal services in trademark protection, anti-counterfeiting enforcement, and IP litigation, helping companies navigate the complex landscape of IP rights.
For more information on how we can assist in protecting your intellectual property, contact us at media@turcu.ro.
We look forward to the insightful discussions at the Europol IP Crime Conference and to strengthening global efforts in the fight against IP crime!
? Read more about the conference on EUIPO’s official website:
2024 Europol IP Crime Conference