How the UK is combating counterfeits – IPI employee’s experience
Trade in counterfeit branded products is a global business worth billions. Tackling the issue often feels like tilting at windmills. Nevertheless, significant progress is being made each year, thanks in particular to successful international cooperation. During a two-week work stay, an IPI employee got an insight into the measures the UK is taking to combat product piracy.
Counterfeiting is a major issue in the UK: entrance to the UKIPO in Newport, Wales. Copyright: IPI
Eveline Capol is head of the STOP PIRACY Secretariat at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). A non-profit association, STOP PIRACY works at the intersection of government, industry and consumers to combat the counterfeiting of branded products. The IPI manages the secretariat and maintains regular contact with partner organisations, also at international level. For two weeks, Eveline Capol experienced the world of intellectual property from a British perspective. She gained an in-depth insight into the fields of law enforcement and communications at the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Newport, Wales.
The UK is committed to awareness-raising and enforcement
The UK counterpart to STOP PIRACY conducts awareness campaigns and collaborates with external organisations, such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) and the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). Eveline Capol got a first-hand look at some ongoing projects, including one by the name of Tick Box. There are many self-storage units in the UK, which are rented out to third parties. Inspections have revealed that these are often used as stores for counterfeit goods or sometimes even as illegal retail spaces. The partnership project ‘Keep it real. Keep it legal’ encourages owners of such facilities to declare that they do not store illegal goods. Another focal point was Camden Market. Numerous counterfeits are sold in the famous market in London, which is also very popular with tourists. The UK IPO worked with the PIPCU, a unit of the City of London Police, to carry out an impressive seizure operation, which saw counterfeit goods to the value of five million pounds confiscated.
Within the UK IPO, various matters are kept strictly confidential. However, Eveline was granted access to certain internal meetings and divisions so that she could get a real feel for the office’s daily business. She also took part in informative and interesting conversations with external partners, such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, Industry Trust, BASE and Get It Right. On her last day, Eveline attended the National Anti-Piracy Conference, organised by the broadcaster Sky. The conference primarily centred on copyright.
Eveline Capol (second from left) with employees of the UK IPO. Copyright: IPI
A valuable exchange from a professional and personal perspective
After two intensive weeks, Eveline Capol came to the conclusion that the issues of physical counterfeits and copyright infringement are more acute in the UK than in Switzerland. However, the problem they face on the other side of the English Channel is the same as here. Throughout all of the discussions and conversations, it was agreed that cooperating internationally, increasing consumer awareness and enforcing the law are key to improving the situation.
On a personal level, the visitor from Switzerland very much appreciated the hospitality of her colleagues in the UK. There was also time for the occasional team event or after-work meal at the pub. Eveline’s experience was positive overall: “My visit to the UK was very enriching. I got to experience new tasks, brush up my technical English and meet some great people. I’m back now with renewed energy and I’m looking forward to many new projects with STOP PIRACY at the IPI.”
The IPI as an employer
Are you inquisitive? Do you see lifelong learning as an opportunity? Then the IPI is the place for you. As part of our length of service awards, long-serving employees at the IPI have the chance to complete a work-related stay abroad.
