Endangering Our Economy and Safety

Intellectual property rights theft is not a victimless crime. It threatens U.S. businesses and robs hard-working Americans of their jobs, which negatively impacts the economy. It can also pose serious health and safety risks to consumers, and oftentimes, it fuels global organized crime.

Protecting our Nation Through Partnerships

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) stands at the forefront of the U.S. government’s response to global intellectual property theft. It uses the expertise of its member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions, and conduct investigations related to IP theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public’s health and safety, the U.S. economy and the nation's war fighters.

IPR Center partners employ a strategic approach to combat IP Theft. That approach includes:

• Investigation – Identifying, disrupting, prosecuting and dismantling criminal organizations involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit products.
• Interdiction – Using focused targeting and inspections to keep counterfeit and pirated goods out of U.S. supply chains, markets and streets.
• Outreach and Training – Providing training for domestic and international law enforcement to build stronger enforcement capabilities worldwide.

Tangible Results

Successful cases have produced significant seizures, civil penalties and criminal prosecutions. In Fiscal Year 2011, federal agencies made 24,792 intellectual property rights seizures valued at $178.3 million.