International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC) presents the 13th International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference from the 22nd of October to the 23rd of October 2019 at the Century City Conference Centre. The conference is co-hosted by Interpol and the South African Police Service, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories and the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition.
The conference features a series of plenary and panel sessions as well as a number of workshops, which will also allocate time for one-to-one networking sessions where delegates can discuss operational matters, build working partnerships and connect with representatives from law enforcement agencies and other organizations.
According to Enact Observer, Transnational organized crime in the Southern African region is a growing issue hence INTERPOL has sought to catalogue and assess organized crime in the region in order to drive a more strategic law enforcement response. Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase said that top of the agenda would be the transnational organized crime in trafficking in illicit goods, effective enforcement strategies, cybercrime, and the use of technology to fight IP crime, as well as operational case studies and industry perspectives.
“Bringing together almost 500 delegates from more than 80 countries under the theme of ‘Fighting IP Crime through Innovation and Co-operation, the two-day event hosted at the Century City Conference Centre brings together police, customs, regulatory agencies and private sector IP crime investigators to share and develop best practices to combat counterfeiting and piracy crimes.
Secretary-General, for the World Customs Organization (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya said: “This Conference provides an ideal platform for sharing views and ideas as well as improving understanding, at the political and policy-making level, of the serious consequences of counterfeiting and piracy and the challenges faced by rights holders and enforcement authorities when fighting IP infringements. “He added that in many countries, effective IP protection by Customs and other law enforcement agencies still requires more efficient procedures, greater awareness and political support.
