The nightmare of brand theft is becoming more common and complex. The UK Intellectual Property Office’s 2024-25 Trading Standards Survey reveals a surge in enforcement, smarter intelligence-led investigations, and unprecedented collaboration across sectors to tackle IP crime. But what does this mean for you if your brand is targeted?
IP crime is on the rise and evolving - especially online, where, for example counterfeit goods are harder to spot. These offences are often linked to wider criminal networks, making enforcement more complex. Authorities are responding with more raids, prosecutions, and collaborative crackdowns, using intelligence-led platforms to target and dismantle organised criminal activity more effectively.
Equally, there will be times where a law enforcement solution is inexpedient, unavailable or may simply not be the right option, and in those circumstances, brand holders need to be able to call upon a range of civil measures to prevent, deter and, ultimately, take action against those responsible for brand theft.
In this session we’ll cover:
- Practical Guidance: Learn what immediate steps you should take if your brand is compromised.
- Legal Insights: Understand your options under English law, from both a criminal and civil perspective.
- Real-World Scenarios: Hear from experts who’ve helped clients resolve the nightmare of brand theft.
Fraud Partner, Gareth Minty and IP Partner, Cassie Hill will be joined by Andrew Clarke, the Partnerships and Investigations Manager at the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). A former Detective Inspector with 30 years’ service, he has led major covert and cyber operations and previously headed investigations at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).